Hamas is emphasizing its involvement in freeing Johnston was purely humanitarian. The Guardian writes:
Mr Zahar promised a new era in the Gaza Strip. “Every kidnapping, every illegal behaviour, we will fight with all our force, the force of law, the force of moral principles. Every Palestinian and every foreigner will be secure and safe regardless of their political beliefs,” he said.
Such humanitarian concern doesn’t extend to Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped a year ago. Ismail Haniya said the Israeli serviceman’s freedom was more conditional. AFP reports:
“We hope the kidnapping of Shalit to end with a good deal to assure to the release of our prisoners,” Mr Haniya said at a news conference following the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston.
