Gaza City:
Hamas released on Thursday a British reporter held in its Gaza enclave, the only foreigner to be arrested in the territory since the Islamist group seized power in 2007.
A clean-shaven and apparently healthy Martin told reporters on the Gaza side of the Erez crossing with Israel that his release was a "great victory for the freedom of the media."
"I've been through a lot in the last few days and weeks," he added, before being whisked to the crossing in an armoured vehicle.
A press conference to mark the release was held at the house of senior Hamas leader Mahmud al-Zahar, who accused Martin of being a "spy for Israel" and said he would not be allowed to return to Gaza.
Martin was arrested on February 14 in a Gaza courtroom while testifying for a friend accused of "collaborating with Israel."
The charges levelled against Martin largely describe the work of the dozens of journalists and researchers who regularly operate in Gaza with little interference from Hamas authorities.
Zahar said Martin had "recruited a large number of private drivers and translators to gather information and to work for him.