Fox Journalists Seized in Gaza Shown on Tape

Seated against a black backdrop, appearing pale but calm, two Fox News journalists kidnapped last week in the Gaza Strip appealed in a videotape released Wednesday for steps to secure their release.

It was the first confirmation that they were alive and well since the brazen early-evening abduction of the pair in central Gaza City on Aug. 14.

The purported kidnappers spoke out as well. A heretofore unknown group calling itself the Holy Jihad Brigades claimed responsibility for the abduction and demanded the release of all Muslim prisoners held by the United States -- “everybody without exception” -- within 72 hours.

“Release what you have, and we will release what we have,” the group said in a statement to reporters. “If you implement our conditions, we will implement our promise; otherwise, you will have to wait, and God will be the judge.”

The statement, in elaborately religious language, included references to several Koranic verses, one of which alludes to the exchange of prisoners in wartime. It was not immediately clear whether the statement referred to prisoners in the U.S. or in American facilities in Iraq; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Afghanistan.

The group’s claim to be holding the journalists could not be independently verified, but Palestinian security sources said that in light of the coordinated release of the group’s demand and the videotape, it appeared that the kidnappers had issued the statement.

It was not possible to ascertain when the tape showing correspondent Steve Centanni and cameraman Olaf Wiig was made.

Fox News released a statement by Senior Vice President John Moody in New York: “We’re encouraged that our colleagues appear to be alive and well in the tape that was released today. We trust that the abductors understand they are responsible for Steve and Olaf’s welfare and safe return. We ask for their immediate release.”

Armed, masked men grabbed Centanni and Wiig from their news van in Gaza City as they were working. The kidnapping occurred near a Palestinian security services headquarters.

Centanni, 60, is American; Wiig, 36, is from New Zealand. Wiig is married to freelance television journalist Anita McNaught, who last week joined Palestinian journalists in appealing for the release of the pair.

A delegation from New Zealand met Wednesday with senior Palestinian officials.

The kidnappers made no specific threats against the men if the demands were not met, but said in the statement that “this is a chance we are giving you, and God knows it might not be repeated.” The statement also directed taunts at President Bush, saying that “the dignity of a single Muslim is worth 20,000” of him.

About a dozen foreigners have been abducted in the Gaza Strip over the last year, but usually they are freed within a matter of hours or days.

Often the kidnappings involve gang or clan disputes, usually very local in nature, with only the merest veneer of political motive. Many abductions are essentially glorified labor disputes, with the kidnappers demanding to be placed on the payroll of one branch or another of the Palestinian security forces.

Israel withdrew soldiers and Jewish settlers from the seaside territory last summer, but troops and tanks reentered Gaza on June 28, three days after an Israeli soldier was captured by Palestinian militants in a cross-border raid. Nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed in fighting since then.

In the videotape, Centanni and Wiig could be seen seated on the floor on what appeared to be a blanket. No markings were visible on the black backdrop behind them.

“We’re alive and well, in fairly good health,” Centanni said, his voice low but calm. “Just want to let you know I’m here and alive and give my love to my family and friends and ask you to do anything you can to try to help us get out of here.”

Wiig, also even-voiced and looking directly into the camera, said, “I know my family will already be doing this, but if you could apply any political pressure ... that would be much appreciated by both Steve and myself.”

The two, clad in tracksuits, said they were being given basic necessities such as clean water, food, access to toilet facilities and clean clothing. Both appeared somewhat haggard but without visible signs of any physical abuse.

An Israeli security source said the abduction represented a marked departure from previous kidnappings in several respects, including the length of time the captives have been held and the nature of the demands. However, the source, who had no specific knowledge of the case, said the kidnappers could have been copying demands by militants in Iraq.

The ruling Hamas movement, already under intense pressure from international sanctions and the Israeli military offensive, has repeatedly called for the release of the journalists.

“We denounce the kidnappings of foreigners and journalists,” said Sami abu Zuhri, a spokesman for the Hamas movement.

Times special correspondent Fayed abu Shammaleh in Gaza City contributed to this report.