Hostage negotiator: Johnston could be free in 24 hours
The captors of kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston have promised to release the BBC correspondent within 24 hours, a person close to the negotiations said today.
The announcement came shortly after the Islamic militant group Hamas vowed to secure Johnston's release, in a gesture apparently meant to avoid alienating the outside world after wresting control of the Gaza Strip.
By seeking Johnston’s release, Hamas also is sending a signal to other armed groups that it intends to impose order in chaotic Gaza.
Johnston, 45, was snatched in Gaza three months ago by a group believed to have some links to Hamas, and a message purporting to be from his captors has demanded the release of Islamic prisoners, including a cleric being held in Britain.
Hamas has been negotiating with the captors through a mediator.
An official involved in the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the captors today pledged to release Johnston within 24 hours.
In London, a BBC spokeswoman said, “We are aware of the reports, but have not received any firm confirmation of Alan’s situation.”
She added: “We continue to work with everyone involved to try to effect Alan’s safe release.”
Hamas officials were not immediately available for comment. But this morning Hamas spokesman Abu Obeideh demanded that those holding Johnston free him at once.
“We will not allow his continued detention,” he said. “We warn against not releasing him.”
Johnston was seen for the first since his abduction in a video posted two weeks ago on a website used by Islamic militants.
He appeared calm and said he was being well-treated and was in good health.
His disappearance is the longest of any Western journalist abducted in Gaza and has sparked numerous protests and solidarity marches in London and the Palestinian territories.
Palestinian officials have said they know where to find Johnston, but have held back on raiding the hideout at Britain’s request, for fear of harming him.
