Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a $5 million reward for every hostage released from Gaza, coupled with a guarantee of safe passage for those aiding in the rescue of Israelis held by Hamas. The announcement was made during Benjamin Netanyahu’s brief visit to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, where he inspected the Israeli military’s Netzarim Corridor, a strategic access route and buffer zone dividing northern and southern Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed residents of Gaza directly, offering them a stark choice: “Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way out for himself and his family. The choice is yours, but the result will be the same: We will bring them all back.” He reiterated that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza would persist until all captives were freed. Israeli authorities estimate 101 hostages remain in Gaza, though a significant portion of them are feared to have died.
The reward offer comes amid mounting pressure from families of captives, who have been staging mass protests across Israel, demanding the government negotiate a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has consistently maintained that a military solution is the only viable path to securing the hostages’ freedom. Critics argue that the prime minister’s hardline stance risks prolonging the conflict, which has already exacted a devastating toll on both sides.
Compounding the crisis, Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has faced accusations of mishandling the lead-up to Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed hundreds of Israelis. A former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu has been arrested for allegedly leaking classified information to foreign media, reportedly in an effort to derail a prior ceasefire negotiation. Analysts suggest Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to broker peace may stem from political calculations, as a ceasefire could jeopardize his far-right government and trigger investigations into security lapses and ongoing corruption charges against him.
On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, asserting that Hamas would never again govern the territory. Yet, as the conflict drags on, international scrutiny has intensified. Last week, a UN special committee accused Israel of employing tactics akin to genocide, alleging that policies such as cutting off food, water, and fuel amounted to “starvation as a method of war.” The war has resulted in nearly 44,000 Palestinian deaths and over 104,000 injuries, according to Palestinian health officials.
Hamas has countered by accusing Israeli negotiators of insincerity in ceasefire discussions, further diminishing hopes for a resolution. Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, leaving both sides trapped in an unending cycle of violence.
