BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston was freed on Wednesday after 114 days held hostage by Palestinian extremists. Here is a timeline of his captivity.
BBC's Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston (left) has breakfast with deposed Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya following his release. Johnston was freed after being hostage for 16 weeks by Palestinian extremists in Gaza, looked pale and drawn but was delighted that his "terrifying" ordeal was over. (Agence France-Presse/Mohammed Abed)
- March 12: First reports of Johnston's kidnap while home from the office in Gaza City. Palestinian security officials say he was abducted by four masked gunmen.
BBC says it is unable to contact Johnston and is concerned for his safety.
Hamas and the Palestinian presidency condemn the kidnap and call for his immediate, unconditional release. - March 15: BBC calls for Johnston's release.
- March 20: British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett says London is "using every channel and opportunity" to secure Johnston's freedom.
- April 2: Palestinian journalists strike in support of Johnston, the start of a series of protests in Palestinian territories and Britain.
- April 5: British Consul General Richard Makepeace meets Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya to discuss Johnston. Foreign Office says meeting does not constitute end of official boycott on Hamas.
- April 9: Colleagues hold vigil outside BBC headquarters in London to mark four weeks since Johnston's disappearance.
- April 12: BBC director-general Mark Thompson appeals for Johnston to be released "immediately and unharmed." Flies to Palestinian territories to meet president Mahmud Abbas.
- April 15: Little-known Islamic group Kataeb al-Jihad al-Tawheed (The Brigades of Holy War and Unity) claims it has killed Johnston to send a "message" to the Palestinian authorities. No confirmation of the claim.
- April 16: Johnston's parents appeal for information that will lead to the journalist's release. Vigils held across Britain.
- April 19: Abbas says intelligence services confirm that Johnston is alive.
- April 30: Palestinian government establishes contact with kidnappers.
- May 2: Abbas says Palestinian authorities know Johnston's whereabouts but are not carrying out a rescue operation so as not to endanger his life.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair says London is doing everything it can to ensure Johnston's release. - May 8: Makepeace meets Haniya again.
- May 9: Tape from a group called Jaish-e-al-Islam (the Army of Islam) aired on Al-Jazeera television. Contains demands that Britain release Palestinian-born cleric Abu Qatada, and an image of Johnston's BBC identity card.
- May 16: Qatada said to be prepared to travel to Gaza in attempt to secure Johnston's release.
- May 17: Johnston's 45th birthday marked by vigils around the world.
British government says it has been talking to Qatada to see whether he would appeal for Johnston's freedom. - June 1: Video of Johnston posted on the Internet by the Army of Islam. Reporter says he has been treated well and is in good health. Criticises Britain's Middle East policy.
- June 2: Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat says military operation to free Johnston would be justified if peaceful means fail.
- June 15: A day after seizing control of the Gaza Strip from the secular Fatah group, the Islamist Hamas movement says it has contacted Johnston's kidnappers and is taking "serious and practical steps" to secure his release.
- June 17: Army of Islam denies Hamas claims that Johnston's release was imminent. Group warns it will kill the reporter "if we do not reach an agreement and the situation worsens for us."
- June 20: Johnston's 100th day in captivity. Colleagues worldwide hold vigils. His captors repeat threats to kill him if Britain fails to free Qatada.
- June 24: Johnston appears on a video wearing a bomb belt that he warns his captors have threatened to detonate if there was any attempt to rescue him.
- June 26: Army of Islam threaten to kill their hostage "like a lamb" unless Britain and Jordan release Muslim prisoners.
- July 2: Hamas says it has made arrests over the abduction of Johnston.
- July 4: Johnston is released following an agreement reached by Hamas with his abductors.
