French news photographer kidnapped in Gaza

A French news photographer from Agence France Presse was kidnapped in Gaza City on Monday just before sundown, Palestinian security officials said. The officials said the kidnapping happened in central Gaza City, in the area where many foreign news agencies have offices. They said the victim was standing at an intersection when about five masked men approached him, pushed him in a car and sped away. The security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release details. Witnesses said the photographer apparently was abducted outside the AFP office. This would be just the latest in a string of kidnappings of foreigners in Gaza in recent months.