Johnston was freed following an undisclosed deal between Hamas leaders and his militant captors. Meanwhile in Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said Hamas deserved international recognition.

Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum: “What we have put forth is a great achievement for the Arab world and Muslim world, the Palestinian people and entire world. This achievement should really affect the world attitude regarding the recognition of the Hamas movement and the Palestinian Authority and to recognize the Palestinian cause. We are a people who want to share with the world under the international system in order to support our rights and expectations.”