BBC Reporter Missing in Gaza

LONDON, March 13: The BBC is trying to locate the
whereabouts of its Gaza correspondent, Alan Johnston, who has gone missing, the
broadcaster said today.

"We are working closely with the Palestinian
authorities and others to establish the facts surrounding the situation,” a BBC
statement said.

According to published reports, Johnston's car was found
abandoned in Gaza City yesterday. There has been unconfirmed speculation that
Johnston was kidnapped after he left his office to go home, following reports
that four armed gunmen were seen in the vicinity of where his car was found.

The 44-year-old is currently the only foreign correspondent
for a major media organization based in Gaza. He has been based there for three
years, and reports indicate he was due to return to the U.K. in April.