Alan Johnston freed

As is being extensively reported, the BBC's Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston has been freed after 114 days in captivity. It would appear that the Hamas group, in charge of Gaza at this time, had a major role to play, as did massive pressure from Gaza residents, journalists and BBC viewers and listeners alike. Up to last night, 200,000 people had signed an on-line petition for Alan's release.

I'm very pleased indeed that this sorry episode has come to an end, which has done the Palestinian cause no favours whatsoever. I have now removed the badge with Alan's portrait from my sidebar, as it is no longer needed.