British hostages freed in Gaza Strip

Three British hostages were released in the Gaza Strip on Friday, two days after they were kidnapped by gunmen, a senior British official said quoting Palestinian security forces.

Three British hostages were released in the Gaza Strip on Friday, two days after they were kidnapped by gunmen, a senior British official said quoting Palestinian security forces.

"We were told that they were released," said the official, who did not want to be named. He said he was waiting to see them at a meeting point in Gaza City.

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Human rights worker Kate Burton, 25, and her visiting parents Hugh and Helen were kidnapped in the chaotic southern town of Rafah.

Foreigners taken hostage in Gaza have usually been released within hours. The kidnappers, who have demanded jobs or the release of prisoners as ransom, generally make contact with the authorities to immediately begin negotiations.

Witnesses said around seven kidnappers armed with automatic rifles had pulled over a car used by Burton and her parents. The Britons were bundled into a white vehicle that sped away.