BBC reporter Alan Johnston said Wednesday that it was “fantastic” to be free after four months in captivity. Johnston called his experience in captivity “appalling,” explaining that he was under a great deal of psychological pressure.
Johnston thanked local Arab journalists for protesting on his behalf. He also mentioned senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud A-Zahar, who he said did everything in their power to secure his release. Johnston remains in Hamas custody at this time, and spoke to the press from Ismail Haniyeh’s home in Gaza.