Abbas demands journalist's release

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The 45-year-old was seized by masked gunmen as he returned to his apartment in Gaza City on March 12, and is the longest-held reporter to be abducted in the Gaza strip.

In a meeting with local dignitaries in Gaza City, President Abbas said: "It is necessary to release him without conditions, so he can return safely to his parents."

President Abbas has repeatedly called for Mr Johnston's release, but appears to hold little sway over the militants holding the journalist.

His latest attempted intervention comes a day after a Palestinian government official said Mr Johnston was alive and well and could be released "very soon".

Dr Ghazi Hamad, the government's spokesman and member of Hamas, said he knows the group holding him and is personally involved in negotiations to free him. He has been friends with the reporter for two years.

He said: "I know that he is well and healthy, and in a good situation. No one has tried to harm him or hurt him."

He said he had "a lot" of information about the situation, but was not authorised to give details.

He added: "I think there are continuous efforts to release him. We hope we can do it very, very soon." He said a "small group" had kidnapped Mr Johnston, and he knows their identity.

Speaking of his friendship with the reporter, who has interviewed him in the past, Dr Hamad said: "I think this is my personal job as it's my friend. It is my job to do everything to release him, and also to help my people, because I think it is shameful for our people."