Netanyahu Offers Reward for Hostage Return Amid Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a $5 million reward along with safe passage out of Gaza for anyone returning a hostage. Addressing the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu stated, «To those who want to leave this entanglement I say: Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way out for himself and his family. We will also give $5 million for every hostage.»

Speaking in central Gaza at the Netzarim Corridor alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu emphasized that anyone harming a hostage would «pay the price.» His proposal aims to accelerate the return of hostages amidst stalled negotiations, which some critics suggest is deliberate to prolong the conflict.

Critics, including the family members of hostages, have expressed outrage at Netanyahu’s strategy. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, accused the prime minister of «trading the hostages’ lives» and criticized his approach as risk-inducing. She remarked, «The prime minister is trading the hostages’ lives» and added that attempts to «divide and rule in Gaza through bribes to the captors» endangered the hostages further.

Netanyahu has faced past criticisms for financial dealings involving Gaza, notably when Qatar sent millions of dollars to Gaza with Israeli backing, a move meant to stabilize the region according to Netanyahu. «It’s unbelievable that the man who funded Hamas is once again offering money to Hamas,» Einav Zangauker stated.

The backdrop to these developments traces back to October 7 of last year, when an attack by Hamas killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 250 individuals. Presently, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including at least 34 whose deaths have been confirmed by the Israeli military. The situation has led to public outcry in Israel, particularly as many hostages were found deceased in rescue operations.