Hostage's Mother Appeals to Israel, Hamas to Reach Deal to End Suffering in Gaza

Mother of hostage pleads with both sides to end conflict

Gaza conflict continues to rage on

The mother of a British hostage held in Gaza has made a heartfelt appeal to both Israel and Hamas, urging them to reach a deal to end the suffering in the besieged Palestinian territory.

In a statement released on Friday, Hilary Cottrell, whose son Alan Johnston has been held by militants in Gaza since March 12, said she was "deeply concerned" about the escalating violence in the region.

Cottrell said: "I urge both sides to do everything in their power to reach a deal that will end the suffering of all those caught up in this conflict, including my son Alan."

Johnston, a BBC correspondent, was kidnapped by a group of masked gunmen in Gaza City on March 12. Hamas has denied any involvement in the kidnapping, but has said it is doing everything it can to secure Johnston's release.

The Gaza conflict has claimed the lives of more than 130 Palestinians and 13 Israelis since it began on December 27. The Israeli military has launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza, while Hamas has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel.

The international community has called for an end to the violence, but so far both sides have refused to back down.

Cottrell said she was "desperate" for her son to be released and reunited with his family.

She said: "Alan is a good man who has done nothing to deserve this. He is a journalist who was simply doing his job when he was kidnapped.

I appeal to both sides to show compassion and to release Alan so that he can come home to his family."