A British diplomat will meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday. The meeting will be the first of its kind, as Britain previously decided to boycott PA officials who are members of the Hamas terrorist group.

British officials insisted that the meeting does not represent a change of policy, and that the two will meet only to discuss British journalist Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped over three weeks ago in Gaza City. Most local Arabs viewed Johnston as a supporter, and the reasons for his kidnapping are unclear. No demands have been made.