The family of British journalist Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped in the Gaza Strip over a month ago, pleaded Monday for his captors to end this ordeal, following unconfirmed reports he has been executed.

"We make a heartfelt appeal to anybody who may have knowledge of Alan's situation and well-being to contact the authorities in Gaza," they said.

"Our son has lived and worked amongst the people of Gaza for the last three years to bring their story to the outside world and we ask every one of them to help end this ordeal."

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On Sunday, Palestinian security sources discredited claims by a previously unknown group of Palestinian militants that said it had executed the BBC reporter.

The Palestinian Authority forces believe that Johnston, kidnapped on March 12, is being held inside the Gaza Strip, apparently by one of the larger clans there. They believe the claims by the so-called Tawhid and Jihad Brigade are an attempt to put pressure on the PA.

The group sent a declaration by email to several Palestinian journalists headlined "Announcement of the execution of British journalist Alan Johnston," which stated that the group had approached a number of elements seeking the release of Palestinian prisoners - however, "the world was only concerned with Johnston." The group also said it had been unpleasantly surprised by the position taken by the PA, which attributed the kidnapping to other reasons. The group said it would soon distribute a video of Johnston's execution.

The Tawhid and Jihad Brigade said the Palestinian government and presidency, and the British government, are responsible for the execution.

The BBC stated that the network had heard about the email, but that there has been no independent verification of it. However, the network stated it is deeply concerned by the reports.

The British reporter was kidnapped by four masked men, apparently from his Gaza apartment. He reportedly managed to throw down his business card when he realized he was being kidnapped. The card was found by Palestinian security forces after the kidnapping. His car was found abandoned nearby.

In the past month, Palestinian journalists have held a number of demonstrations demanding his release. People in a protest tent even reported visits by members of the Dormush clan - the clan that allegedly kidnapped Johnston and has demanded millions of dollars in ransom. The Dormush family denies all such claims.

In recent months, 20 journalists and international aid workers have been kidnapped in Gaza. All were released unharmed within days. The Johnston case is different. First of all, despite rumors of ransom requests, no financial or political demands have actually reached Palestinian security forces. Johnston has also been held longer than any of the others, with no leads regarding his fate.

Israel recently permitted a Saudi diplomat to enter the Strip to participate in efforts to free Johnston. In an unusual move, British consul general in Jerusalem Richard Makepeace even met with PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, to pressure him to help in securing the journalist's release.

Palestinian Interior Minister Hani Qawasmeh on Sunday said the PA had no information showing that the abducted British reporter might be dead. Nonetheless, Palestinian journalists on Sunday expressed concern that Sunday's email announcement indicates Johnston may have been hurt during the abduction, and that now the kidnappers are looking for grounds for his murder.

"We hope we are wrong," one reporter, A., told Haaretz. "This is one of the most senior foreign reporters in Gaza. He is a guest and should not be kidnapped or hurt. We hope he will return home shortly."