The Israel Foreign Press Association has warned members not to enter
the Gaza Strip. The organization pointed to the abduction of BBC
correspondent Alan Johnston, who has been in captivity for more than a
month.
Palestinian sources said Johnston was believed being held by members of
the Doughmoush family, regarded as heading the abduction industry in the
Gaza Strip. They said Doughmoush has demanded $5 million for Johnston's
release.
"Few, if any, foreign journalists are now going to Gaza," the FPA said
in a statement on April 18. "Effectively, Gaza has become a no-go zone for
our members, as a direct consequence of Alan Johnston's abduction."
FPA leaders have met Palestinian Authority security officials. But the
journalists expressed disappointment, and some of them suggested that the PA
was not searching for Johnston.
Palestinian journalists have expressed solidarity with Johnston and
sought to address the Palestinian Legislative Council on April 18. PA
security guards blocked entry and beat several of the journalists.
