A previously unknown Palestinian group released the first video Wednesday of two abducted Fox News journalists and demanded that Muslim prisoners in American jails be freed within 72 hours in exchange for the men, a Palestinian news agency reported.
In the video, Steve Centanni, 60, of the San Francisco area, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, of New Zealand, appeared to be in good health, seated on the floor in sweat suits against a black background. "Our captors are treating us well," Centanni said, adding that they had access to clean water, showers, bathrooms, food and clothing.
"So, just want to let you know I am here and alive and give my love to my family and friends and ask to do anything you can to try to help us get out of here," he added.
Wiig called for help to get them freed. "If you could apply any pressure on the local government here in Gaza and the West Bank, that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself," Wiig said. The two were kidnapped Aug. 14 near the Palestinian security services headquarters in Gaza City.
The news agency, Ramattan, reported that the Palestinian group, the Holy Jihad Brigades, had demanded in a statement that Muslim prisoners in U.S. jails be freed within three days in exchange for Centanni and Wiig. The group did not say what would happen if the deadline passed unanswered, Ramattan reported.
"We are going to exchange the Muslim female and male prisoners in American jails in return for the prisoners that we have. We are going to give you 72 hours beginning midnight tonight to take your decision," Ramattan quoted the statement as saying.
"If you implement and meet our condition, we will fulfill our promise. If not, wait, and we are going to wait," the statement said.
