GAZA CITY, Gaza (CNN) - Two Fox journalists kidnapped two weeks ago in Gaza have been released, according to the Palestinian news service Ramattan and Fox News.The release came shortly after the broadcast of a video in which the
journalists read statements saying they have embraced Islam with the Prophet Mohammed as their leader.
The video, initially aired Sunday by Ramattan, showed Fox reporter Steve Centanni and photographer Olaf Wiig, both appearing to be in good health.
"Islam is not just meant for some people; it is the true religion for all people at all times," Centanni said while garbed in a beige robe. Wiig was dressed in the same attire.
"Westerners are following the wrong path, and I hope they realize that and change their ways," Centanni said.
In Wiig's statement, read from notes in his lap, he called upon American leaders to "listen to the people" and to "take notice of the millions protesting in the streets. Stop hiding behind the 'I don't negotiate with terrorists myth,'" he said. Wiig then spoke in Arabic and ended with "Allah."
The pair said in their statements that they have adopted new Islamic names. Centanni said his new name is now Halec. Wiig's name since he "entered Islam" is Yaco.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday he hoped they would be released "in the coming hours," his office said.
Haniyeh, a Hamas official who came to power earlier this year, has received promises that the journalists will not be hurt, according to Haniyeh's staff.
The journalists were also shown Wednesday in a video released by Ramattan. A leaflet accompanying the video indicated it came from a previously unknown group calling itself the Holy Jihad Brigades, which claimed responsibility for kidnapping the men.
The leaflet said "we will release your prisoners" if Muslim prisoners "in the jails of America" are released.
Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Hilal has said there were no "direct negotiations" to secure the journalists' release, but that "there are certain communications with various Palestinian sides" aimed at that effort.
Pressure had mounted from Palestinians for the kidnappers to release the journalists. A Palestinian prisoners' rights group said that even Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails asked the kidnappers to release the journalists immediately and unconditionally.
Centanni, 60, and Wiig, 36, were snatched from their television van in the streets of Gaza City on August 14.
Centanni and Wiig appeared unharmed in a video aired Wednesday. On the video, Centanni said he and Wiig were in good condition and had "lots of clean water, food every day, access to the bathroom, shower, clean clothes, and our captors are treating us well."
Wiig added, "If you could apply any political pressure on the local government here in Gaza and the West Bank, that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself."