BBC Reporter Freed in Gaza

Alan Johnston handed over to Hamas after 114 days in captivity
By Caroline Miller,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 4, 2007 4:28 AM CDT
BBC Reporter Freed in Gaza
BBC reporter Alan Johnston waves as he arrives on the Israeli side of Erez Border crossing , early Wednesday, July 4, 2007. British reporter Alan Johnston, looking gaunt and walking stiffly, was released Wednesday after nearly four months in captivity in the Gaza Strip, saying it was "fantastic" to...   (Associated Press)

Alan Johnston, the BBC reporter held by an Islamist faction in Gaza for 114 days, was released early today, saying it was "fantastic" to be free. The reporter was handed over to officials of Hamas, now in control of the Gaza Strip, by his captors, a militant splinter group called the Army of Islam.

Johnston appeared with Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, who was removed as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority after the Hamas takeover of Gaza two weeks ago. Hamas lobbied for Johnston's release to prove its intention to provide "security and stability" in Gaza. Johnston is  now at the British consulate in Jerusalem. (More Alan Johnston stories.)

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