BBC: "BBC man 'seen in explosives belt'"

This story is exquisitely illustrative. The BBC was always something of a hostage to terrorist interests. It is somewhat embarrassing for Hamas, but nothing that a little empty posturing won't remedy. More importantly, what about the ability of an Al-Qaeda affiliate to operate freely? Israel should probably reoccupy Gaza.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya has said the kidnappers of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston have made a new video showing him wearing an explosives belt.

"In the past they showed him in an orange uniform. Today they showed him with an explosives belt round his waist," Mr Haniya said in Gaza.

The video recording has not been seen in public.

The BBC says it is aware of the reports and is investigating. Alan Johnston was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March.

Hamas has set a deadline of Monday for the kidnappers to release him.

"We will not allow the continuation of the abduction of the British journalist. The issue of Alan Johnston must end," Mr Haniya said in a speech to his supporters.

He did not explain in what circumstances he had seen the video.

The British Foreign Office said it deplored such footage.[...]

The reporter was abducted by a group calling itself The Army of Islam.

A video was released on 1 June by the previously unknown radical Islamist group, in which Alan Johnston said he was in good health and was being treated well.

The Army of Islam has demanded the release of Abu Qatada, a Palestinian-born Islamic cleric who is suspected of having close links with al-Qaeda and is held by the UK government as a threat to national security.[...]

Crossposted on Soccer Dad

Tags: BBC, Johnston, Hamas, Gaza, Al-Qaeda