Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a new government without Hamas and outlawed the Hamas militia, deepening the crisis between the two sides after the Islamic group seized control of Gaza in a quick military victory last week.

Kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who has been held by Gaza militants since March, will be freed soon, Hamas officials announced today.

Palestinian security forces blocked main Gaza Strip road junctions today, burning tyres and snarling traffic in protest at the Hamas government’s inability to pay their salaries.

Hamas militiamen withdrew from the streets of the Gaza Strip today and returned to their normal posts after the worst day of internal violence since Hamas took control of the Palestinian government in March.