Israel Offers $5 Million Reward for Each Hostage Held in Gaza

Prime Minister Netanyahu Makes Plea for Help

JERUSALEM: In a bold move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that his government is offering a reward of $5 million to anybody who brings out a hostage held in Gaza. Speaking in a video filmed inside the Palestinian territory, Netanyahu emphasized that anyone who dares to do harm to the hostages will be pursued and caught.

Secure Exit and Monetary Reward

Netanyahu’s message to potential rescuers was straightforward: “Anybody who brings out a hostage will find with us a secure way for them and their family to leave” Gaza. He also reiterated that the Israeli government will give a reward of $5 million for each hostage who is successfully rescued.

Netanyahu’s Personal Plea

Wearing a helmet and a bullet-proof jacket, Netanyahu spoke from the Netzarim Corridor, Israel’s main military supply route that cuts through the Gaza Strip. He addressed the camera with a sense of urgency, saying, “Anyone who dares to do harm to our hostages is considered dead — we will pursue you and we will catch up with you.”

War Aims and Ongoing Efforts

Accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu reiterated that one of Israel’s war aims remains that “Hamas does not rule in Gaza.” He also emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to locate the hostages and bring them home, stating, “We won’t give up. We will continue until we’ve found them all, alive or dead.”

Gaza Hostage Crisis

The Gaza hostage crisis began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants took 251 hostages during an attack. Of those, 97 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who have been confirmed dead.

Conclusion

The Israeli government’s offer of a $5 million reward for each hostage is a bold move in the ongoing crisis. As the search for the remaining hostages continues, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will bear fruit. One thing is certain, however: Israel is committed to bringing the hostages home, no matter the cost.

FAQs

Q: How many hostages are still being held in Gaza?

A: According to recent reports, 97 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who have been confirmed dead.

Q: What is the Israeli government’s goal in this crisis?

A: The Israeli government’s primary goal is to locate and rescue the hostages, with the ultimate aim of bringing them home. Additionally, they seek to weaken Hamas’s grip on Gaza and prevent future attacks.

Q: What is the reward for each hostage who is successfully rescued?

A: The Israeli government is offering a reward of $5 million for each hostage who is successfully rescued.

Q: How long have the hostages been held in Gaza?

A: The hostages were taken on October 7, 2023, and have been held in Gaza for several weeks.