Islamic militants posted an online video of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston Friday — the first sign of life for Johnston since he was abducted in Gaza 81 days ago.

An image provided by the Ramattan News Agency in Gaza City shows kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston as he speaks in a video that was posted on an Islamic website Friday.
(Ramattan News Agency/Associated Press)

The 45-year-old reporter appeared calm and in good health in the undated recording, assuring viewers that "my captors have treated me very well, they've fed me well, [and] there has been no violence towards me at all."

The video was posted to the Al-Ekhlaas website frequently used by Islamic militants and it bears the logo of the Army of Islam, the group thought to be holding Johnston.

At one point in the video statement, Johnston suddenly launches into a diatribe damning Israel as "the cause of all the suffering of the Palestinian people" and also blaming Britain and the U.S. for forcibly occupying Muslim lands.

Shown sitting against a black background and wearing a red sweatshirt, Johnston declares: "We, the British, are completely to blame, along with the Americans, for the situation in Iraq." He also adds that "the British are the main force in Afghanistan, causing all the trouble to all the simple Afghans who simply want to live."

There was much speculation that Johnston was coerced into reciting the remarks, as Johnston gained a reputation for objectivity during his three years covering the Palestinian territories for the BBC.

In a statement, Johnston's family said it was "clearly distressing" to see him in the video.

Before he was able to relay a message to his family in the tape, Johnston's voice is cut off and subtitles appear, reading: "The BBC refused to take this message to his family."

Two weeks ago, reports said that the Army of Islam had in fact killed Johnston. But Shaker Shabat, a Gaza-based analyst, said the tape was a signal that Johnston's release was imminent.

"They are showing us evidence that Johnston is alive, and that is to seal the deal," Shabat said.

British officials were studying the video, the Foreign Office spokesman said on condition of anonymity, but "it is far too early to say whether this is a recent tape or to make any further comment."

"We are aware of the reports and we are investigating urgently," said Simon Wilson, the BBC bureau chief in Jerusalem. The company planned to issue a statement later Friday.

Johnston has been missing far longer than any foreigner kidnapped in Gaza, and his disappearance has touched off numerous protests and solidarity marches in London and the Palestinian territories.

Palestinian officials have said they knew where to find Johnston, but have held back on raiding the hideout at Britain's request, for fear of harming him.

The Palestinian government has instead tried to negotiate with the captors.

With files from the Associated Press