MIDDLE EAST:The captors of kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston have promised to release the BBC correspondent within 24 hours, a person close to the negotiations said yesterday.
The announcement came shortly after the Islamic militant group Hamas vowed to secure Johnston's release, in a gesture apparently meant to avoid alienating the outside world after wresting control of the Gaza Strip.
By seeking Johnston's release, Hamas is sending a signal to other armed groups that it intends to impose order in chaotic Gaza.
Johnston (45) was snatched in Gaza three months ago by a group believed to have some links to Hamas, and a message purporting to be from his captors has demanded the release of Islamic prisoners, including a cleric being held in Britain.
Hamas has been negotiating with the captors through a mediator. An official involved in the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the captors yesterday pledged to release Johnston within 24 hours.
In London, a BBC spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the reports, but have not received any firm confirmation of Alan's situation." She added: "We continue to work with everyone involved to try to effect Alan's safe release."