Palestinian Hostage Games
Another European “peace activist” kidnapped and then released, this time with a “shootout” that mysteriously hurts no one: Palestinian Security Forces Free Hostage.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian security forces stormed a building where an Italian hostage was being held Sunday, freeing the man after a shootout with his kidnappers, security officials said.
The hostage was seen being taken out of the building to safety by security personnel. He was taken to the preventive security headquarters in Gaza City, where he was escorted into the building by dozens of officers.
There were no immediate reports of casualties from the shootout.
Palestinian security officials identified the freed hostage as Alessandro Bernardini, an Italian peace activist. He was traveling on a minibus carrying 10 foreigners, including European lawmakers, in Khan Younis early Sunday. Armed men stopped the minibus, forced the Italian out and sped away with him.