Officials 'in contact' with journalist's captors

Palestinian officials are trying to persuade the kidnappers of a long-held BBC journalist that they are mistaken in using Islamic justifications for their actions, an aide to the Palestinian prime minister said tonight.

Ahmed Youssef, an aide to Ismail Haniyeh, said there is contact with the kidnappers of Alan Johnston, who has been held for 50 days, by far the longest time in captivity for a Western hostage.