Release hope for kidnapped journalist

Kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston is alive and could be released "very soon", according to a Palestinian government official.

Dr Ghazi Hamad, the government's spokesman and member of Hamas, said he is personally involved with negotiating the release of the BBC's Gaza correspondent.

Dr Hamad, who is friends with the reporter 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 added although he was well informed about the situation he was not authorised to give further details.

Dr Hamad said: "I think there are continuous efforts to release him. We hope we can do it very, very soon."

He said that he was aware of the identity of a "small group" that had abducted Mr Johnston.

Speaking of his friendship with the reporter, who has 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 could not say exactly when Mr Johnston is likely to be released, but said: "According to my analysis, I think it's possible to release him. I hope to make it very, very fast."

Mr Johnston, 45, has lived and worked in Gaza for the past three years and was the only Western journalist to be permanently based there.

He was taken by masked gunmen as he returned to his apartment in Gaza City on March 12 and is the longest-held reporter to be abducted in the Gaza strip.

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