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BBC Reporter Freed in Gaza

Posted Jul 4, 07 4:28 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – 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.
Source: BBC

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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...   (Associated Press)
British Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alan Johnston, left, and former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas raise their hands following Johnston's release in Gaza City, Wednesday, July...   (Associated Press)
British Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alan Johnston, left, and former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas wave as they meet in Gaza City, Wednesday, July 4, 2007. Johnston was released...   (Associated Press)
BBC reporter Alan Johnston waves as he leaves the Israeli side of the Erez Border crossing, Wednesday, July 4, 2007. British reporter Alan Johnston, looking gaunt and walking stiffly, was released Wednesday...   (Associated Press)
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reporter Alan Johnston waves as he arrives on the Israeli side of Erez Border crossing , early Wednesday, July 4, 2007. Johnston, looking gaunt and walking stiffly,...   (Associated Press)
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Great Britain • Hamas • Gaza • kidnapping • Palestinian Authority • BBC • Alan Johnston • Ismail Haniya • Army of Islam


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