Masked Palestinian gunmen abducted an Italian journalist today in the latest in a string of kidnappings of foreigners in the Gaza Strip.
It was later confirmed the kidnapped reporter is Lorenzo Cremonesi from the daily newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Four masked gunmen pulled the journalist out of a car in the town of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, but left his local translator behind, witnesses said.
Corriere della Sera said witnesses reported seeing the kidnappers force Mr Cremonesi into their vehicle and drive towards Nusseirat refugee camp. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Several foreigners have been abducted at gunpoint in the Gaza Strip over recent months in incidents that underscored growing lawlessness in the area and the power of armed gangs. All were released unharmed.
Palestinian sources said it was possible the latest abduction was linked to the occupation earlier of the day of two government buildings in Deir al-Balah by 200 gunmen from President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction who demanded jobs.
Last month an Algerian Muslim journalist working for a French television station was kidnapped in Gaza City. He was freed eight days after his abduction.