The parents of Alan Johnston have appealed again this morning for
information as to his well being, after a Palestinian group yesterday
claimed it had killed the BBC Gaza correspondant.
The Brigades of Tawheed and Jihad sent a statement to news
organisations claiming it had killed Johnston who was kidnapped in Gaza
City on March 12.
The claim remains unsubstantiated.
In a statement, Alan Johnston's
family said: "This is a desperately worrying time for us. We make a
heartfelt appeal to anybody who may have knowledge of Alan's situation
and wellbeing to contact the authorities in Gaza. Our son has lived and
worked amongst the people of Gaza for the last 3 years to bring their
story to the outside world – and we ask every one of them to help end
this ordeal."
The BBC said: "The BBC has still had no independent
verification of rumours concerning Alan Johnston. We continue to be
highly concerned for his safety and are working closely with the
Palestinian and British authorities to seek urgent clarification. Our
thoughts are with Alan's family, and we appeal to those who have taken
him to release him unharmed."
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