(VOVworld) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the Islamic State’s threat to kill 2 Japanese captives in a video released Tuesday “unacceptable,” demanding an immediate release of the Japanese citizens unharmed.

Online video released by Islamic State shows two Japanese hostages threatened with death. (Photo: Reuters)

Speaking Tuesday in Jerusalem near the end of a six-day tour of the Middle East, Abe said his government is checking the authenticity of the video in which IS militants demand a ransom of 200 million USD in 72 hours for 2 Japanese captives. Abe said Tokyo will do its best to ensure the captives’ safety, but it will not compromise with terrorists and will keep its pledge to provide 200 million USD in non-military assistance to countries battling the IS. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan is working with its allies to help free the captives.