Al Qaida linked to Johnston kidnap

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An al Qaida linked website posted a recorded statement from the purported Gaza kidnappers, along with his press card and new demands for his release.

Palestinian security officials said they believed the alleged kidnappers, the Army of Islam, may have had foreign help, but stopped short of naming al Qaida.

It remained unclear whether the shadowy group already has al Qaida links, or whether it was merely trying to attract the international jihadist group's support.

Johnston, 44, was kidnapped on March 12 in Gaza City by Palestinian gunmen. He has not been heard from since, and the recording was the first public statement from a group claiming to be holding him.

The fiery, 20-minute recording from the Army of Islam demanded that the British government "release our prisoners - and particularly Sheikh Abu Qatada, the Palestinian" in exchange for Johnston.

It showed a picture of Johnston's BBC press card - the strongest evidence yet that the group is holding the journalist.

Abu Qatada, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, is accused of having links to terrorist groups. He is currently awaiting deportation to Jordan from Britain.

The message did not include any signs of life from Johnston himself, couching its message in international terms. It did not mention Israel or its occupation of Palestinian territories.

The recording has generated some optimism that Johnston is still alive. "We profoundly hope that the news may be a sign that Alan will soon be safely released," said the BBC's deputy director general, Mark Byford, in London.