Kidnapped journalist could be freed today

The kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston could be freed as early as today after the Islamic militant group Hamas made contact with his captors to try to secure his release.

Negotiations were said to be taking place last night between Hamas and the Gaza correspondent’s captors through a mediator.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeideh reportedly told a news conference that the group would not allow attacks on journalists or foreigners “because they are helping our people”.

An official involved in the talks said earlier last night that those holding the BBC correspondent had pledged to release him within 24 hours.

The claims came as concern grew for the 45-year-old’s safety as Palestine slid further into crisis after a week of bloody fighting which has seen Hamas seize control from president Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party.

British diplomats said they were worried about the circumstances of Mr Johnston, who was kidnapped in Gaza City more than three months ago.

Last month, an extremist group posted a video of him on the internet.

The journalist said he had been treated well and was in good health but he also went on to criticise the British government’s foreign policy in the Middle East.

A BBC spokeswoman said yesterday: “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.”

President Abbas yesterday appointed independent former finance minister Salam Fayyad as the new prime minister. A former World Bank executive, Mr Fayyad is a well-respected figure internationally.

Ismail Haniya of Hamas has insisted he is still prime minister and vowed to disregard Mr Abbas's decisions.

The recent clashes have been the most intense since Hamas won parliamentary elections last year, setting the stage for a violent power struggle with Fatah.

Hamas reluctantly brought Fatah into the coalition in March to quell an earlier round of violence, but the uneasy partnership began crumbling last month over control of the powerful security forces.

Arab countries fear the violence could spread and further destabilise the region.

The head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, has called for a ceasefire, warning of disaster if the fighting continues, and Egypt has sent police to boost security on the border with Gaza.

Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit called for all sides to “cooperate with Egyptian mediation”.

But he also threw Cairo’s support strongly behind President Abbas, calling on all factions to “respect the Palestinian Authority… and its president, Mahmoud Abbas”.