A BBC journalist missing in the Gaza Strip was kidnapped by a "well-known" group which wants a "cheap reward", Palestinian government officials said.
The Hamas-led administration said it had identified Alan Johnston's abductors and were hoping to locate him soon.
Security officials said four masked gunmen in a white Subaru snatched the journalist in Gaza City on Monday. A car rented to the BBC was found abandoned near Mr Johnston's apartment, they added.
The BBC has yet to comment on reports that he has been kidnapped, but said it was "working closely" with the Palestinians to find him.
Palestinian government spokesman Ghazi Hamad said the kidnapping hurt the Palestinian cause.
"The kidnappers have no nationalism, they want a cheap reward," he said. "They are well known, and we hope he (Johnston) will be found today."
Mr Hamad was speaking at a protest in front of the BBC office in Gaza, where 30 Palestinian reporters called for his release.
BBC News described Mr Johnston, 44, from Scotland, as a "highly experienced and respected reporter" who has been reporting from Gaza for the past three years.
The posting began in April 2004 and he is due to return to London at the end of April 2007, the BBC said.
If reports of the kidnapping are confirmed then he is the 15th reporter abducted in the Gaza Strip since 2004, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.
