GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- An appeal for help from two kidnapped Fox News employees in Gaza won't result in any leeway for their captors, the U.S. Department of State said Wednesday.
American reporter Steve Centanni, 60, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, of New Zealand, were shown Wednesday on a video released by their captors. The pair asked for help in winning their freedom, but the kidnappers demanded that Muslim prisoners in American jails be freed before they are released.
In response, the State Department said that it doesn't "make concessions to terrorists." A spokesman said the administration is continuing to urge the men be released "without conditions."
A Fox News executive said the network is encouraged that the pair appear to be well. He said Fox considers the kidnappers responsible for the welfare of the captives, along with their safe return.
Centanni and Wiig were grabbed from their TV van not far from the Palestinian security services headquarters in Gaza City on Aug. 14.
In the video, the men sat on the floor in sweatsuits and appeared to be in good health. No armed men were seen.
Centanni said: "Our captors are treating us well." He said they get showers, food, water and access to bathroom facilities.
"I'm here and alive and give my love to my family and friends and ask that you do anything you can to try to help us get out of here," Centanni said.
Wiig also added his thoughts and directly addressed his wife, who has appeared on television in recent days pleading for her husband's release.
"If you can apply any political pressure with the government here in Gaza ... that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself," Wiig said. "I know, Anita, you will already be doing that."
Wiig's wife, Anita McNaught, has been meeting with different groups trying to secure her husband's release.
"To my family, I love you all ... Please don't worry. I'll do all the worrying for us," Wiig added.
"We love you all and we want to go home, hope to see you soon," Centanni said to the camera.
After more than a week of silence, the claim of responsibility in the kidnapping of the two TV newsmen came Wednesday.
Al-Jazeera reported that a previously unknown Palestinian group -- the Holy Jihad Brigades -- is claiming responsibility for snatching Centanni, a Fox News correspondent, and Wiig, his cameraman, in Gaza City last week.
A Palestinian news agency said the kidnappers are setting a 72-hour deadline for swapping the two men for Muslim prisoners held in U.S. prisons.
Although Palestinian militant groups often seize foreigners, including journalists, this is the longest any have been held.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
