I promised earlier that I would follow this story. Here’s how the abduction of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston is being reported at the moment.

from the Telegraph:

BBC man ’seized by criminals, not terrorists’

By Tim Butcher in Gaza City

Last Updated: 6:16pm GMT 13/03/2007

The BBC journalistkidnapped in Gaza is in the hands of a local criminal gang rather than jihadist extremists and is alive and well, senior Palestinian security sources in Gaza City said today.

Indirect contact has been made with the kidnappers of 44-year-old Alan Johnston although no details have yet emerged about any demands made to secure his release.

The fact the kidnappers appear criminal will come as a relief to executives at the BBC who have been working non-stop to secure his release since he first disappeared on Monday afternoon.

Jihadist terror groups like those responsible for the torture and execution of foreign hostages in Iraq have not yet been seen in the Gaza Strip.

Today Simon Wilson, BBC Middle East Bureau Chief, arrived in Gaza City for a meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas prime minister, to discuss the case and maintain public attention Mr Johnston’s plight.

Note that the Palestinian “prime minister” is the go-to guy when one of yours is “kidnapped” by criminals who are under his protection.