This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6494931.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Two weeks since BBC man missing BBC rallies for missing reporter
(about 4 hours later)
Events are planned in the UK and Gaza to mark two weeks since BBC reporter Alan Johnston went missing in Gaza. Events have taken place in London and Gaza to mark two weeks since BBC reporter Alan Johnston went missing.
The BBC is planning a satellite linkup between Gaza, TV Centre in London and Scotland so staff, friends and family can exchange messages of support. The BBC set up a satellite link between Gaza and Television Centre so staff and supporters could exchange messages of support on giant screens.
In Gaza, journalists are staging another strike in protest at Mr Johnston's suspected abduction. Director General Mark Thompson praised Mr Johnston's commitment for reporting from Gaza in very difficult conditions.
"All of us in London and in Gaza want him home," Mr Thompson told about 100 journalists and members of staff.
HAVE YOUR SAY Alan is one of the kindest, gentlest, non-judgmental, interested and interesting men I know Stuart Bowman, London Send your message to Alan Mr Thompson described Alan Johnston as "one of those amazing BBC people who make extraordinary sacrifices and take considerable risks because they believe a story needs to be told".
"He remained with his friends and colleagues in Gaza when others left, and as you have heard, Alan has many friends and colleagues in Gaza."
"We continue to talk to people in the Middle East and in the UK to try to secure Alan's release," he added.
Speaking for the Palestinian journalists' syndicate in Gaza, Shadi al-Kashif made a pledge directly to the missing journalist that their protests "will not stop until your release".
Experienced reporter
Palestinian officials have said all possible efforts are being made to secure Mr Johnston's release.Palestinian officials have said all possible efforts are being made to secure Mr Johnston's release.
Gaza has already seen numerous demonstrations in support of the missing BBC correspondent.Gaza has already seen numerous demonstrations in support of the missing BBC correspondent.
On Sunday more than 100 journalists, politicians, and others attended a rally calling for his release and last Wednesday Palestinian journalists staged a strike. On Sunday more than 100 journalists, politicians, and others attended a rally in Gaza calling for his release and last Wednesday Palestinian journalists began a rolling strike.
There have also been numerous international demands for his immediate release, including from the Arab League, the UK government and the EU.There have also been numerous international demands for his immediate release, including from the Arab League, the UK government and the EU.
Experienced reporter
On Sunday the BBC's Jerusalem bureau chief, Simon Wilson, expressed gratitude for the international support the BBC had received, but urged all individuals and parties with any influence to work "tirelessly" to secure Alan Johnston's release.
Mr Johnston has been the BBC's correspondent in the Gaza Strip for the past three years - and the only foreign journalist from a major media organisation based in Gaza.Mr Johnston has been the BBC's correspondent in the Gaza Strip for the past three years - and the only foreign journalist from a major media organisation based in Gaza.
The BBC describes him as a highly experienced and respected reporter.The BBC describes him as a highly experienced and respected reporter.
Aged 44, he was born in Tanzania and educated in Scotland.Aged 44, he was born in Tanzania and educated in Scotland.
He joined the BBC World Service in 1991 and has spent eight of the last 16 years as a correspondent, including periods in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.He joined the BBC World Service in 1991 and has spent eight of the last 16 years as a correspondent, including periods in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.