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BBC plea for Gaza correspondent BBC plea for Gaza correspondent
(20 minutes later)
The BBC has made a plea for information about the whereabouts of BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston.The BBC has made a plea for information about the whereabouts of BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston.
Middle East bureau chief Simon Wilson said the corporation had received no firm word on Johnston since he disappeared on Monday.Middle East bureau chief Simon Wilson said the corporation had received no firm word on Johnston since he disappeared on Monday.
He thanked all those who had tried to help resolve the situation, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and PM Ismail Haniya.He thanked all those who had tried to help resolve the situation, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and PM Ismail Haniya.
Mr Haniya said he told security forces to do all they could to find him.Mr Haniya said he told security forces to do all they could to find him.
ALAN GRAHAM JOHNSTON Born in Lindi, Tanzania, on 17 May 1962Graduated with an MA in English and Politics from Dundee University, Scotland, and a diploma in Journalism Studies from the University of Wales in CardiffJoined the BBC World Service in 1991. He has been a correspondent in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Gaza Living with risk in GazaALAN GRAHAM JOHNSTON Born in Lindi, Tanzania, on 17 May 1962Graduated with an MA in English and Politics from Dundee University, Scotland, and a diploma in Journalism Studies from the University of Wales in CardiffJoined the BBC World Service in 1991. He has been a correspondent in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Gaza Living with risk in Gaza
Palestinian security officials say he was kidnapped from his car by masked gunmen, but the BBC says it cannot independently verify these reports. He said all foreign journalists who came to the Palestinian territories were guests of the Palestinian people and should be protected.
Kidnappings were unacceptable and "harm the civilised face of our people", he added.
Palestinian security officials say Johnston was kidnapped from his car by masked gunmen, but the BBC says it cannot independently verify these reports.
Other reports in Gaza say he is healthy and negotiations are under way with the abductors to secure his release.Other reports in Gaza say he is healthy and negotiations are under way with the abductors to secure his release.
'Continue efforts'
Reading a statement in Gaza, Wilson said Johnston had dedicated the last three years to living and working with the people of Gaza, and it was now becoming clear how much his efforts were appreciated.
"We would therefore urge everyone with influence here to continue their efforts so that Alan may be reunited with his family and colleagues at the earliest opportunity," he said.
He added that the journalist's family was being kept fully updated and was "very moved" by expressions of support from around the world.
There has been a series of abductions of Westerners in the increasingly lawless Gaza Strip.There has been a series of abductions of Westerners in the increasingly lawless Gaza Strip.
All were eventually released unharmed.All were eventually released unharmed.
The motives for the abductions were mainly local - unpaid salaries, demands for jobs or the release of jailed family members.The motives for the abductions were mainly local - unpaid salaries, demands for jobs or the release of jailed family members.