Kidnapped TV man freed in Gaza

An Arab-Israeli journalist kidnapped in the Gaza Strip was released today, nearly 24 hours after his abduction.

CNN producer Riad Ali’s father said his son had been released.

The US TV news network confirmed the release, saying Ali had been turned over to Palestinian police.

Ali was abducted from a CNN van at gunpoint last night.

It was not clear whether the kidnapping signalled a new practice by Palestinian militants – perhaps an attempt to copy Iraqi insurgents who have snatched dozens of foreigners – or whether Ali was taken for personal reasons.