Britain identifies UK journalist detained in Gaza

Britain identifies UK detainee in Gaza

JERUSALEM — The British consulate on Monday identified a Briton detained in Gaza as Paul Martin, adding that it understood he was a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker.

A spokeswoman for the consulate said that the British government was “very concerned” and had been in touch with Martin’s family. She spoke on customary condition of anonymity.

A Palestinian militant group said Martin was arrested Sunday at a Gaza courthouse where he had gone to show support for a militant accused of collaborating with Israel.

The spokesman, who identified himself by his nom de guerre, Abu Ahmed, said Martin was ordered held two weeks.

Hamas police spokesman Ehab Ghussein said Sunday that Martin was suspected of endangering breaking the law and state security. He did not elaborate.

Hamas is eager to improve its image in the West and has generally not interfered with the work of foreign journalists since seizing control of Gaza in 2007.