An Italian journalist, who was kidnapped in the Gaza strip earlier today, has been released.
Lorenzo Cremonesi was abducted on the outskirts of the central town of Deir al-Balah in the latest of a series of kidnappings in the territory.
It is understood he was being held by the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
A Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman said this evening that the journalist had been freed and was unharmed.
Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers have torn down their last military posts in the Gaza Strip.
The demolition of security offices, bunkers and watchtowers is part of the formal handover of the territory to the Palestinians after a 38-year occupation.
The final stages of the pullout are expected to be completed by Monday.
However, the destruction of synagogues in the former Jewish settlements has caused a controversy that could delay the process.
It is an emotionally charged issue for Israelis worried that the Jewish houses of worship might be desecrated by Palestinians if left intact.
US mediators hope the withdrawal under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's 'disengagement' plan will serve as a catalyst for renewed peacemaking.
Palestinians fear Israel is trading Gaza for a permanent hold on much larger swathes of the occupied West Bank where 245,000 settlers live.
