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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Hamas arrests over BBC reporter | Hamas arrests over BBC reporter |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Hamas security forces in Gaza have detained members of the Palestinian militant group which claims to have abducted BBC reporter Alan Johnston. | Hamas security forces in Gaza have detained members of the Palestinian militant group which claims to have abducted BBC reporter Alan Johnston. |
| Among the arrested was Khattab al-Maqdisi, a spokesman of the Army of Islam group, Hamas said. | Among the arrested was Khattab al-Maqdisi, a spokesman of the Army of Islam group, Hamas said. |
| "The arrests were carried out after all negotiation attempts... failed to free the abducted journalist," the Hamas-run interior ministry said in a statement. | "The arrests were carried out after all negotiation attempts... failed to free the abducted journalist," the Hamas-run interior ministry said in a statement. |
| Alan Johnston was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March. | Alan Johnston was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March. |
| The BBC is holding a rally for Mr Johnston on Monday to mark the 16th week since his disappearance. | The BBC is holding a rally for Mr Johnston on Monday to mark the 16th week since his disappearance. |
| Growing tension | Growing tension |
| "The arrests are targeting figures who were involved in the abduction of the journalist," the interior ministry statement said. | "The arrests are targeting figures who were involved in the abduction of the journalist," the interior ministry statement said. |
| The Army of Islam is influenced by al-Qaeda | The Army of Islam is influenced by al-Qaeda |
| It said Hamas acted after "the use of peaceful means failed to free" the British reporter. | It said Hamas acted after "the use of peaceful means failed to free" the British reporter. |
| Earlier, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Mr Maqdisi was detained after he opened fire on members of Hamas's security forces in Gaza City. | Earlier, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Mr Maqdisi was detained after he opened fire on members of Hamas's security forces in Gaza City. |
| He said Hamas would investigate claims by the Army of Islam - a small armed group - that Mr Maqdisi was injured during the arrest. | He said Hamas would investigate claims by the Army of Islam - a small armed group - that Mr Maqdisi was injured during the arrest. |
| Mr Abu Zuhri also accused the clan which allegedly controls the Army of Islam of abducting 10 Hamas students. | Mr Abu Zuhri also accused the clan which allegedly controls the Army of Islam of abducting 10 Hamas students. |
| HAVE YOUR SAY My thoughts and prayers are with Alan Johnston Nancie Nicol-Thomas, Chicago Send us your messages | |
| Tensions between Hamas and the Army of Islam have been growing since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip last month by force. | Tensions between Hamas and the Army of Islam have been growing since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip last month by force. |
| Hamas has demanded that the Army of Islam release Mr Johnston, threatening to "use all means to secure his life and to free him". | Hamas has demanded that the Army of Islam release Mr Johnston, threatening to "use all means to secure his life and to free him". |