Members of the international terrorist group Al-Qaeda announced Monday that they were holding two Austrian tourists who were kidnapped in Tunisia in late February.  The group blamed the kidnappings on Israel, saying that westerners would be kidnapped and held in response to Israeli operations in Gaza and elsewhere. 

Al-Qaeda spokesmen accused western nations of cooperating with Israel, and warned tourists against visiting Tunisia, saying, “This apostate Tunisian state cannot protect you.”  Spokesmen identified the two hostages and said they were in good condition.  Al-Qaeda will issue demands for their release soon, the spokesmen said.