Kidnapped AP news photog freed in Gaza

GAZA, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- An Associated Press photographer was released unharmed in Gaza Tuesday night hours after being abducted outside his apartment by Palestinian gunmen.

Emilio Morenatti, 37, a Spanish national, was forced into a car as he was on his way to meet his translator around 7:30 a.m., a Spanish Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told CNN.

Morenatti told the AP he was taken by Fatah officials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' offices following his release, CNN reported. Morenatti said he was tired but unharmed.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos is "personally involved" in the investigation and was using his Middle East contacts to find out why Morenatti was targeted, a spokeswoman at the ministry told CNN.

Earlier in the day, AP President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Curley issued a statement denouncing the kidnapping.

"It is a sad development when the men and women the world rely on to bring them objective news are subject to such dangers. No cause or motive can justify such senseless action," Curley said.