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Tensions between Hamas and the clan believed to be holding Alan Johnston are high after Munir Dughmush, a member of the Dughmush clan, was shot and killed in broad daylight in Gaza City, medical sources said.

The Jerusalem Post reports:

Hamas militiamen have been surrounding the homes of members of the Dughmush clan in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood since Saturday, demanding that the clan release Johnston. Hamas has issued an ultimatum to the clan to release the BBC correspondent by next Monday or face a massive attack.

Following the shooting, foreign journalists have been advised to stay away from the Gaza Strip for fear of reprisal.

The Arab Times adds:

“We are trying to use all possible ways to end this matter,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP. The movement said it wanted to find a solution that would not endanger Johnston’s life, saying it would be wrong to rush in, following a death threat from his captors. “Hamas wants to find the right mechanism to release him in order to protect his life. It is very important for us to keep him safe. To rush, would be wrong,” said another spokesman Fawzi Barhum

I’m no fan of the terrorists now ruling Gaza but rule it they do. Hamas control over the region may be the best hope for the future of achieving, if not a peace agreement between Israel and the Iran-sponsored group, then at least a cessation of hostilities. A speedy and happy resolution of the Alan Johnston situation will be a good test of that control.

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