BBC Correspondent freed.

DanaC • Jul 4, 2007 5:20 am

It's been a long wait, and I think many people assumed he wouldn't make it out alive. Alan Johnston, held captive in Gaza for 115 days, has been released.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6267928.stm

Aliantha • Jul 4, 2007 5:35 am

That's wonderful for his family and friends. We've had coverage of this over here but I hadn't heard this good news.

DanaC • Jul 4, 2007 5:37 am

He puts his release down to Hamas taking control in Gaza.

Aliantha • Jul 4, 2007 5:45 am

The plot thickens doesn't it.

Sundae • Jul 4, 2007 6:41 am

I hadn't heard - thank goodness.
I honestly expected his body to turn up in a shallow grave some day.

TheMercenary • Jul 4, 2007 10:00 am

Surprised he made it out alive.

xoxoxoBruce • Jul 5, 2007 4:37 am

I wonder if a ransom was paid?

TheMercenary • Jul 5, 2007 10:33 am

xoxoxoBruce;361391 wrote:
I wonder if a ransom was paid?

Good question. There often are ransoms paid, which IMHO only feeds the dragon.

tw • Jul 5, 2007 8:12 pm

xoxoxoBruce;361391 wrote:
I wonder if a ransom was paid?

100% Hamas. Hamas knew where Alan was. Hamas wanted to raid the houses to free Alan. The British and BBC begged Hamas to instead do negotiations.

Hamas wanted Alan Johnston freed. Negotiations became possible only after Hamas had driven Fatah from Gaza.

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