Three Britons kidnapped in Gaza

Report: Rights worker Kate Barton, 25, and her parents snatched at gunpoint.

By JPOST STAFF, AP
rafah 298.88 (photo credit: Associated Press [file])
rafah 298.88
(photo credit: Associated Press [file])
Three British citizens were kidnapped as they entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Wednesday, Palestinian witnesses and security officials said. The hostages were reported to be a female human rights worker, 25 years old, and her parents who were visiting from England. According to a Channel 2 report the woman's name is Kate Barton. Other agencies noted that she worked at the Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights. Witnesses said the three were driving in a car which was stopped at gunpoint as they crossed into Gaza from Eygpt and were then ordered to get into the gunmen's vehicle, a white Mercedes. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Palestinian security spokesman Adnan Barbach confirmed that all three were British citizens. Frank McGinley, a duty officer with the British consulate general in Jerusalem, said his country was investigating the report but had no further comment.