BBC's Alan Johnston missing 17 days in Gaza

[Chacor]

Not sure how many of you know/are following this, but I've been tracking this very closely since day one.

The BBC's Alan Johnston has now been held hostage longer in Gaza than anyone else, including Steve Centanni last year (13 days). He was kidnapped March 12 by unknown masked gunmen on his way home in Gaza City.

Johnston is the only foreign reporter based full-time in Gaza, and his posting there was due to have ended next week.

Hamas has vowed to find Johnston and there have been strikes in Gaza by journalists.

Johnston has now been missing 17 days. Just thought I'd alert those who didn't know about him. I personally have Reporters Without Borders' appeal banners and icons as my avatar and signature on my other forums. Please spread the word - the more people who know about brave journalists like Alan Johnston, the better. I can only hope he is released soon.

The BBC has set up a page for people to comment - http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread. ... 1&sortBy=1

[Chacor]

Oh, and to add: There has been zero contact whatsoever.

There is nothing known about his whereabouts or condition. All the main militant groups condemned the kidnapping, which means they didn't do it. He hasn't (unlike Centanni) been paraded on TV. So it's worrying.