The Gaza captors of the kidnapped Scottish journalist, Alan Johnston, have promised to release the BBC correspondent within 24 hours, a close source said.
The news came shortly after Hamas vowed to secure Johnston's release, in a gesture apparently meant to avoid alienating the outside world after wresting control of the Gaza Strip. The Islamic militant group is also sending a signal to other armed groups that it intends to impose order in Gaza. Johnston, 45, was snatched in Gaza three months ago by a group believed to have links to Hamas. Hamas has been negotiating with his captors through a mediator. An official involved in the talks yesterday said the captors pledged to release Johnston within 24 hours.
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