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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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BBC Reporter Freed in Gaza

Alan Johnston handed over to Hamas after 114 days in captivity

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(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.

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
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 4, 2007. Johnston was released early Wednesday after nearly four months in captivity in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
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 earlyWednesday after nearly four months in captivity in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
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 after nearly four months in captivity in the Gaza Strip, saying it was
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, was released Wednesday after nearly four months in captivity in the Gaza Strip, saying it was
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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Hamas role in securing Johnston's release
Associated Press


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Palestinian Authority • Gaza • Alan Johnston • BBC • Hamas • kidnapping • Army of Islam • Ismail Haniya • Britain

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