Israeli PM Netanyahu Offers $5 Million Reward for Each Hostage Released from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a $5 million reward for the release of each Israeli captive held in Gaza, during a brief visit to the Gaza border region on Tuesday, Al Jazeera reports.

He also pledged safe passage out of Gaza for anyone assisting in the hostages’ release.

“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,” Netanyahu said while speaking near the Netzarim Corridor, a key Israeli military access road in northern Gaza.

He reiterated his commitment to a purely military solution, asserting that the war would continue until all hostages are recovered. Israel estimates approximately 101 captives remain, though a significant number are believed to have died.

Netanyahu’s offer comes amidst ongoing mass protests in Israel by families of the hostages, who are demanding a ceasefire to secure their loved ones’ release. These protests have intensified pressure on the Prime Minister, who has faced accusations of inaction and prioritizing military action over negotiations. The arrest of a former Netanyahu aide on suspicion of leaking classified information to foreign media, allegedly to sabotage a potential ceasefire deal, further fuels these criticisms.

Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s resistance to a ceasefire stems from concerns that such a move could destabilize his far-right government and trigger investigations into security failures preceding the October 7 Hamas attack. He is also facing ongoing corruption investigations.

Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of insincerity in past ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu, however, described the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza as “wonderful,” and stated that under no circumstances would Hamas be allowed to regain control of the territory.

This announcement follows a UN special committee report labeling Israeli policies in Gaza as potentially genocidal, citing the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the infliction of mass casualties and life-threatening conditions on Palestinian civilians. The Israeli offensive has already resulted in nearly 44,000 Palestinian deaths and over 104,000 injuries. G20 leaders, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, also called for comprehensive ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon on Monday, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis.