HAMAS openly named the group holding the kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston for the first time yesterday - as family and colleagues prepared to mark the 100th day since his disappearance.
Ahmed Youssef, an aide to the deposed Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh, of Hamas, said talks were being held with the Doghmush family, a violent clan with its own militia. Mr Youssef said he hoped that "in the next 24 hours, either this man will be released or something will be done to solve this problem". The Scottish reporter today spends his 100th day in captivity after being snatched from the street in Gaza in March.
A global vigil is to be held for Mr Johnston today, the BBC said. His parents will be joined by villagers at their home in Lochgoilhead, Argyll, where they will release 100 balloons at 2:15pm.
At the same time, Mr Johnston's colleagues across the BBC will stop work for a moment to show their support. Staff will hold posters and wear T-shirts with messages calling for his release. News 24 and BBC World will show the events live.
