The Hamas-led Palestinian government said today that progress was being made to free a US Fox News correspondent and cameraman in the Gaza Strip.
"Things are going in a positive direction," Palestinian Interior Minister Saeed Seyam of Hamas said in a statement.
The statement was the first on efforts by the Hamas-led government to free Fox correspondent Steve Centanni and camera man Olaf Wiig.
New Zealand-born Mr Wiig (36) and American Mr Centanni (60) were seized on August 14th as they were working on a story in central Gaza City. Theirs is the longest-lasting abduction in Gaza in more than a year.
On Wednesday, the previously unknown Holy Jihad Brigades claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and gave the United States 72 hours to free Muslim prisoners or else the captives would face unspecified consequences.
The deadline is set to expire around midday on Saturday.
A videotape released on Wednesday showed the men, dressed in tracksuits, sitting on a blanket in front of a black background. They appeared fairly relaxed and in good health. Both said that they were fine and being treated well.
Several Palestinian militant groups active in Gaza, including Islamic Jihad and Hamas, have denied any involvement with the kidnapping and have said the men should be freed.