Official Says Johnston Safe And Well
Kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston is alive and well and could be released shortly, a Palestinian government official has said.
Dr Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas, said he knew which group was holding the Gaza correspondent and was personally involved in the negotiations to free him.
Dr Hamad, who has been friends with the reporter for two years, said: "I know that he is well and healthy, and in a good situation. No one has tried to harm him or hurt him."
He said he had a lot of information about Mr Johnston's situation, but had not been authorised to give any more details.
Dr Hamad said: "There are continuous efforts to release him. We hope we can do it very, very soon."
Speaking of his friendship with the reporter, who had interviewed him in the past, Dr Hamad said: "I think this is my personal job as it's my friend.
"It is my job to do everything to release him, and also to help my people, because I think it is shameful for our people."
He insisted journalists were working freely in Gaza, adding: "We thank them for supporting our cause and our issues. We have never hurt any journalists."
Mr Johnston, 45, who has lived and worked in Gaza for the past three years, was taken by masked gunmen as he returned to his apartment in Gaza City on March 12.
He is the longest-held reporter to be abducted in the Gaza Strip.
Mr Johnston was the only Western reporter permanently based in Gaza, and his placement had been due to finish at the end of March.
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for his release.
Skynews