GAZA, March 26 (RIA Novosti) - A senior leader of a radical Islamic group was found dead in the south of Gaza city, on Wednesday, local officials said.

The body of Mahmoud Basal, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Monday, was found near the former Jewish settlement of Nitzarim.

Basal was the leader of the Army of Islam, responsible for kidnapping BBC journalist Alan Johnston in March last year.

Johnston was released in early July after a 114-day ordeal during which the journalist appeared in a videotaped message wearing an explosive suicide belt which his captors said they would detonate if any attempt was made to free him.