Posted on 08/15/2006 11:45:56 AM PDT by Blogger
Palestinian security forces hunted for two abducted Fox News journalists Tuesday, and the Palestinian president and prime minister intervened in an attempt to gain their release.
President Mahmoud Abbas and Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister of the Hamas-led government, scheduled meetings with the news organization's Jerusalem bureau chief, Eli Fastman, and its chief correspondent in Israel, Jennifer Griffin.
The prime minister assured the Fox News representatives that Palestinian security forces would use all their power to "put an end to it soon," said government spokesman Ghazi Hamad said, without elaborating.
Investigators said the president's office was closely following the probe into the abduction.
American reporter Steve Centanni, 60, and New Zealand cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, were seized by masked gunmen Monday near the headquarters of the Palestinian security services.
No one has claimed responsibility for kidnapping, and police said no demands have been made. Major militant groups denied any connection to the abduction.
U.S. officials said they were in touch with Abbas' office, Palestinian security officials and the Israelis to see if they can help secure the journalists' release.
"Certainly we are concerned about their safety, that is why we are working to ensure their freedom," said Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, a spokeswoman for the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem.
She said it was still unclear who was holding the journalists.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark dispatched diplomats to Gaza to assist in any contacts for their release. She said she was "very concerned" about the kidnapping.
Wiig's wife, Anita McNaught, said Fox representatives told her negotiations for their release were already under way. But officials in Gaza said no contact had been established with the kidnappers.
Nabil Abu Rdeinah, an Abbas aide, said the president ordered all security forces to work on tracking the two journalists. "This is an unacceptable act. We condemn this operation and hope we would succeed to find a peaceful solution very soon," he said.
An investigator in the case, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize the investigation, said suspicions were focusing on a renegade group from an established Palestinian militant organization, but he declined to give further details. The car in which the journalists were taken has been identified, he said.
Centanni was behind the wheel of the Fox vehicle, marked in large letters "TV," when the gunmen pulled up and stopped them, a Fox employee said. A Palestinian who was with them was forced onto the floor at gunpoint, and the two journalists were taken away.
An official following the investigation said the getaway car was spotted driving south along the coastal road.
Police and security forces were deployed at major intersections and roads in Gaza immediately after the kidnapping.
Several foreigners have been kidnapped in Gaza by small groups seeking the release of relatives from jail, jobs or other personal favors. All have been freed within a few days without harm.
I love how you think!
He's not really 60 is he? I thought he was in his 40's. (Praying for their safety).
No kidding?
That was my reaction, too! I would NEVER have guessed. I would've pegged him as late 40's early 50's.
We should all wish to look so good.
I hope they find him. Quickly, with all body parts intact and working. Still praying for him!
just look at the end of your knife..that's where they are...
I don't think anyone left in the drive by has a shred of decency left.
I'm afraid they are anxious for some tragedy to occur..........which they will, of course, blame on President Bush and his minions on Fox.
There is no depth to which they cannot sink.
I hope that it isn't Iran or Syria. I don't think they would be as likely to release them alive.
Lord, please be with Steve, and with his family and loved ones, and give them Your peace during this trial. And bring him back soon, safe and sound. Amen!
Notice how fox is no longer showing what is going on in Gaza . also, TODAY THEY SHOWED CLIPS OF THE LEBS GOING BACK TO THE SOUTH IN SPITE OF THE FACT THE JEWS SAID DO NOT GO THERE.ARE THE ARABS HOLDING FOX HOSTAGE?LOOKS THAT WAY TO ME!
Oh, I meant his age. 60?
Dangit! You beat me to the obvious OJ reference!
I did a web search on Steve's background yesterday and I thought I saw somewhere that he was 44 years old. I can't for the life of me find that article today. I just don't see how he could be 60.
That makes sense.
Prayers for the two in the heart of darkness.
here's his last report
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-LOEoTr0I
I suppose the deal is taht if Fox quits trashing the Hezzies and Hamas by telling the truth, then they can have their people back, ala CNN in Iraq not long ago.
Eerie. See the way those last two young Pali guys looked back at Steve as they walked by?
You haven't seen Shepard Smith's reporting then. Shep's been on the Hezzy's side since this thing started.
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