Hamas gives ultimatum to those holding BBC reporter

GAZA, June 18 (Reuters) Hamas issued an ultimatum today to those holding BBC journalist Alan Johnston in Gaza, threatening to free him by force if they don't release him by the end of the day.

''If he is not released, we would use all means to secure his life and to free him,'' a senior Hamas official told Reuters of Johnston, who was abducted in Gaza on March 12.

REUTERS JK HS1955