Dr Ghazi Hamad, the government's spokesman and member of Hamas, said he knows the group holding the BBC's Gaza correspondent and is personally involved in negotiations to free him.

Dr Hamad, who has been friends with the reporter for two years, said: "I know that he is well and healthy, and in a good situation. No one has tried to harm him or hurt him."

He said he had "a lot" of information about the situation, but that he is not authorised to give details.

Dr Hamad said: "I think there are continuous efforts to release him. We hope we can do it very, very soon."

He said a "small group" had kidnapped Mr Johnston, and that he knows their identity. Dr Hamad said he had received information about Mr Johnston two days earlier, and added: "I have my own channels to talk to these people."

Speaking of his friendship with the reporter, who has interviewed him in the past, Dr Hamad said: "I think this is my personal job as it's my friend. It is my job to do everything to release him, and also to help my people, because I think it is shameful for our people."

He could not say exactly when Mr Johnston is likely to be released, but said: "According to my analysis, I think it's possible to release him. I hope to make it very, very fast."

Dr Hamad said that his government's policy was to respect people, and that journalists are working freely in Gaza. He said: "We thank them for supporting our cause and our issues. We have never hurt any journalists."

Mr Johnston, 45, has lived and worked in Gaza for the past three years. He was taken by masked gunmen as he returned to his apartment in Gaza City on March 12. He is the longest-held reporter to be abducted in the Gaza strip. Mr Johnston was the only Western reporter permanently based in Gaza. His placement had been due to finish at the end of March.