2 Fox News Reporters Kidnapped In Gaza

Gunmen Ambush Car, Kidnap U.S. Reporter, New Zealand Cameraman

(AP)  Masked Palestinian gunmen ambushed a car carrying a Fox News crew in Gaza City on Monday and kidnapped two of the journalists inside, according to witnesses and Fox.

"We can confirm that two of our people were taken against their will in Gaza," Fox News said in a statement.

A Fox employee in Gaza, who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to release information about the incident, said the two kidnapped people were reporter Steve Centanni, a U.S. citizen, and cameraman Olaf Wiig who was from New Zealand.

The men, along with a bodyguard, were parked near the headquarters of the Palestinian security services when two trucks filled with masked gunmen pulled up and boxed them in, according to the employee. The gunmen took the two reporters out of their sports utility vehicle, which was marked "TV," and drove away, he said.

Major militant groups in Gaza denied having any connection to the incident and there was no immediate word of any demands made.

However, Wiig's wife Anita McNaught said Fox representatives had told her negotiations for their release were already under way.

"There will be people working through the Palestinian Authority, through the authorities in Gaza ... but Fox News are vastly experienced on the ground there, so they have all the contacts they need," said McNaught, who is a BBC World television presenter.

McNaught, who is currently in Syria told New Zealand's National Radio she intends to come to the area soon to help secure the release of the two men.

Also, New Zealand was sending a team to the area, said Rosie Patterson, the head of consular services at New Zealand's Foreign Ministry.

New Zealand has no representation in the immediate area, and currently is working through British diplomats, she said.

Security officials put police across Gaza on alert and set up roadblocks to find the gunmen and free the reporters, said Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Hilal.

"This is not acceptable at all," he said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the men to be freed.

"We are gravely concerned about our colleagues' safety and call for their immediate and unconditional release," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "These are well established journalists who are not participants in the conflict. They should be treated accordingly and freed."

Several foreigners have been kidnapped in Gaza in recent months with their abductors demanding jobs from the Palestinian Authority or the release of people being held in Palestinian jails. All those kidnapped have been released within hours without harm.

[ronniehm]

I'm afraid to see what will be used in certain circles to justify these kidnappings. Naturally, any justification will be absurd, but then I suppose that would be consistent.

[trpster]

I am very upset about this, and do not understand the motive behind kidnapping innocent persons/people. How can this help a cause. I am praying for the two men. As I think on it, I can hear Steven Centanni's voice signing off a story.

Steve seemed to be a man willing to tell the truth, and probably still willing to share the kidnappers aganda.

If the kidnappers are reading this, please release him, and his friend.

My prayers ore there for the journalists who are in harms way, the families, and any foriegn travelers in the area. Also with Steve's wife, and the families. (My brother in law is in the area on an oil rig)

I, myself would love to see and visit Palestine and Israel, however it is too dangerous.

Will all humans on the planet pray earnestly for peace? PLEASE!

PJ Trpster, a Steve Centanni fan.

[tonnie45]

To the person that asked for everyone to pray for peace. The bible says, in the last day you will pray and call out for peace and it will not come.
This war in the middle east was foretold long ago sure peace will come, after Christ comes back. Read the book of Revelation.

[salm85231]

No surprise! Maybe the Left Wing Bleading Hearts will realize, We are dealing with Savages who have no Regard or Respect of No One and Nothing on earth , Not even the God they claim pray to! They have nothing, are nothing and should be descimated to Nothingness....ashes to feed the pigs with...