THE KIDNAPPED British journalist Alan Johnston was reported to be on the brink of release after more than three months in captivity last night after the leader of Hamas, the Islamic militant group that now runs Gaza, demanded his freedom.

Khaled Mashaal, the Syrian-based Hamas leader, held talks with Mumtaz Dagmoush, the head of the Dagmoush clan, who is believed to have ordered Johnston’s abduction in Gaza on March 12. Negotiations with Dagmoush, 32, once an ally of Hamas, were described as “tense” by Palestinian sources. Senior Hamas figures have hitherto done little to facilitate the BBC reporter’s release.

Hamas’s new status since last week’s victory over its rival Fatah has encouraged it to seek his release to improve its image at home and abroad, and to distance it from Al-Qaeda elements, according to observers in Gaza.

Hamas’s relationship with Dagmoush has recently taken a violent turn. The last few days of fighting have seen two members of his clan, former members of Fatah security organisations, killed during confrontations with Hamas.

Blockade drains life from Gaza

The movement of goods into Gaza had been intermittent at best since Hamas won Palestinian elections early last year

Multimedia

• Pictures: Johnston is released

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Background

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• 97 days and counting for BBC's man in Gaza

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• The little girl trapped by a quirk of war

Last night mediators made contact with the captors and negotiations were said to be at an “advanced stage”. Johnston, 45, was the only foreign correspondent living in Gaza.

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