'I had the privilege of working with Alan earlier in his career at the Gloucester Citizen newspaper. He is a cracking lad and a superb journalist, and like so many others during this difficult time, I wish for his safe return' - David Walker.
The kidnapping has come as a great shock to the international community and myself personally. Alan seemed to symbolise integrity and skill in journalism; reporting in a delicate manner the turmoil that has so often characterised the Palestinian struggle. His reports opened a window into Gaza that spoke of great knowledge (he is the only western journalist to call Gaza his personal home) and great compassion for a people living in a state of virtual siege from the state of Israel. It's ironic that the Palestinian territories have arguably been under more media attention since the kidnapping. The current spate of tit-for-tat violence between Israel and Palestinian militias, including the holding of the IDF's Gilad Shilit, and political violence have made it into the headlines - yet we see nothing of the struggles of the Palestinian population, nothing beyond the latest pro-Israel/pro-Palestinian propoganda.
As a man who has revealed so much to me and to fellow viewers, I feel compelled to do something to keep his story at the forefront of the public consciousness. I've added a link to the BBC News website pages devoted to the cause, where you can share stories, sign an online petition and find the latest news. I'll be keeping an eye on the story over the course of the affair, and i'd encourage you to do the same - keep Alan in your thoughts and prayers.
Blygt.
