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Johnston Release Boosts Hamas

Freeing BBC reporter is attempt to send message

By Caroline Miller,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 4, 2007 8:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Alan Johnston's release after 12 weeks in captivity was used by Hamas today to separate itself from the al-Qaeda-inspired kidnappers, and to assert its ability to secure order in Gaza, the BBC reports. The freed reporter was taken to the home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, who was outsted as PM of the Palestinian Authority last month by President Abbas.

Haniya, who dined and was photographed with Johnston, said the release was a reward to Britain for speaking directly to Hamas on the matter, ignoring an embargo by other Western governments. An aide to Abbas charged that that Hamas had coordinated both kidnapping and release: "I think this was staged by Hamas to make it appear as if it respects international law."

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 fantastic to be free after...
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)
BBC reporter Alan Johnston, center right , smiles as he is escorted at former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas' house following his release in Gaza City, early Wednesday, July 4, 2007. British reporter Alan Johnston, looking gaunt and walking stiffly, was released Wednesday after nearly four months in captivity...
BBC reporter Alan Johnston, center right , smiles as he is escorted at former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas' house following his release in Gaza City, early Wednesday, July 4, 2007....   (Associated Press)
British Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alan Johnston, front 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, front left, and former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas raise their hands following Johnston's release in Gaza City, Wednesday,...   (Associated Press)
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Gaza • Alan Johnston • BBC • Hamas • Ismail Haniya • Mamoud Abbas • Britain

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