In a statement posted on the Internet, the Holy Jihad Brigades said all non-Muslim foreigners it captures could face death unless they convert to Islam or Muslim prisoners be freed in exchange for their release.

“God ordered that we fight all infidels as they fight us all ... the blood of any infidel who comes to the land of Palestine has no sanctity,” said the group, unknown before the journalists’ kidnapping.

The authenticity of the statement posted on a Web site used by militant groups including Al Qaeda could not be verified.

The group freed Fox News Correspondent Steve Centanni, a 60-year-old American, and New Zealand-born cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, on Aug. 27 after forcing them at gunpoint to say in a videotape they had converted to Islam.

“Islam alone saved their blood and prevented their slaughter. We are not the type who can be fooled by their announcement ... but only God can judge intentions,” it said.