The captors of kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston have promised to release the British Broadcasting Corp. correspondent within 24 hours, a source close to the negotiations said Friday.

Hamas' armed wing issued a statement Friday, saying it was in an advanced stage of negotiations and "begun practical steps to secure [Johnston's] release."

In Damascus, Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal said he was in contact with Hamas operatives in Gaza to secure the release of Johnston.

	Advertisement

"I have urged our brothers in Gaza to double their efforts," he said. "I am confident that those holding Alan Johnston will realize that keeping him captive doesn't serve the national interest."

"I hope, but I don't promise, that his release is near," Meshal added.

Hamas vowed Friday to secure the abducted reporter's release, a promise seemingly meant to avoid alienating the outside world and to tell other armed groups in Gaza that it intends to impose order, after wresting control of the Strip from the rival Fatah by force.

Johnston, 45, was snatched in Gaza three months ago by a group believed to have links to Hamas, and a message purporting to be from his captors has demanded the release of Islamic prisoners, including a cleric being held in Britain.

In a press conference in Gaza on Friday morning, the day after Hamas routed Fatah from Gaza Strip security installations, spokesman Abu Obeid demanded that those holding the BBC correspondent free him at once.

"We will not allow his continued detention," he said. "We warn against not releasing him."

Johnston was seen for the first time since his abduction in a video posted two weeks ago on a Web site used by Islamic militants. He appeared calm and said he was being well-treated and was in good health.

His disappearance is the longest of any Western journalist abducted in Gaza and has sparked numerous protests and solidarity marches in London and the Palestinian territories.

Palestinian officials have said they know where Johnston is being held, but have held back on raiding the hideout at Britain's request, for fear of harming him.