Wife of Kidnapped Fox Journalist Appeals for Release

The wife of one of the Fox News journalists kidnapped in Gaza today appealed for their release and said they should not be punished for the suffering in Palestine.

Anita McNaught, a former BBC presenter, told the kidnappers that her husband, New Zealand-born cameraman Olaf Wiig, and his Fox colleague, correspondent Steve Centanni, were not their enemies.

"Olaf and Steve have always worked for the interest of the Palestinian people, they came here to support you by telling your story," she said.

"I do not question that you who are holding them have suffered greatly, as everyone in Gaza - in the Palestinian territories - is suffering, but these two men are not responsible for the injustices that you speak of, and they should not be punished for them."

The two men were taken hostage 10 days ago and yesterday appeared in a video in which they said they were in "fairly good health".

Ms McNaught said seeing her husband in the video "was a source of great relief and comfort".

The previously unknown Holy Jihad Brigades has claimed responsibility for the abduction and called on the US to free Muslim prisoners by Saturday.

Today the Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh suggested that kidnappers had no ties to any of the Palestinian militant groups.

Meanwhile, New Zealand diplomat Peter Rider said his country would not negotiate with the kidnappers, echoing the standpoint of the US State Department.

"The New Zealand policy is exactly the same as that of the United States, we will not negotiate with terrorists or militant groups like this," Mr Rider said.