PALESTINIAN JUSTICE

PA releases Fatah man who kidnapped three Britons
A Palestinian militant held in connection with the kidnapping of a British family in Gaza was released Thursday, a day after his followers went on a rampage and smashed holes in a wall along the Egypt border.

Palestinian security officials refused to comment on why they released Alaa al-Hams, a militant from the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a group affiliated with the ruling Fatah Party. Al-Hams was arrested late Tuesday on suspicion his group kidnapped human rights activist Kate Burton and her parents for two days last week.

"I was released as a result of the agreement reached between Fatah and the (Palestinian) Authority yesterday. This will calm all types of protests from our side, "al-Hams said.