Netanyahu Offers Staggering Reward for Hostages in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers a $5 million reward for each hostage released from Gaza, as the conflict with Hamas intensifies.

At a Glance

Netanyahu offers $5 million reward and safe passage for each hostage released.
Hamas rejects short-term ceasefire and hostage release proposal.
IDF reports evacuating 55,000 civilians and killing over 1,000 terror operatives in Gaza.
Humanitarian crisis deepens with mounting casualties and calls for medical evacuations.
UN committee accuses Israel of genocide and using starvation as a war tactic.

Netanyahu’s Bold Offer Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a dramatic escalation of efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a $5 million reward for each captive freed. This unprecedented offer comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage, with devastating consequences for civilians on both sides.

The Israeli leader’s proposal extends beyond financial incentives, offering safe passage out of Gaza for captors and their families who release hostages. This move underscores the mounting pressure on Netanyahu’s government to secure the freedom of an estimated 97 hostages still held in Gaza, including the bodies of those confirmed dead.

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu said $5m will be given as a reward for each captive released from Gaza and those that help free Israelis held by Hamas will be given a way out of the war-torn Palestinian territory.

🔗: https://t.co/wOkolT8XZs pic.twitter.com/vNtoechMHb

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 20, 2024

Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Proposals

Despite the lucrative offer, Hamas has rejected a proposal for a short-term ceasefire and hostage release deal. An Egyptian-brokered 12-day ceasefire was also turned down by the militant group, citing the lack of guarantees for a longer-term agreement. Hamas maintains that the remaining hostages will only be released as part of a comprehensive deal to end the war, lift the blockade, and reconstruct Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

As the conflict persists, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims over 43,000 people have been killed or presumed dead, though this figure remains unverified. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports evacuating over 55,000 civilians from Jabalia in northern Gaza, where Hamas allegedly used them as human shields.

Efforts to address the humanitarian crisis include connecting a water desalination plant in Gaza to Israel’s electricity grid to increase clean water supply. Additionally, more than 100 patients are set to be evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, with requests for sustained medical evacuations. However, these measures fall short of addressing the full scale of the crisis, as evidenced by the tragic death of an American soldier, Sergeant Quandarius Davon Stanley, from non-combat injuries while supporting humanitarian aid operations in Gaza.

International Concerns and Accusations

The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny, with a UN committee accusing Israel of genocide and using starvation as a war tactic against Palestinians. These serious allegations add to the mounting pressure on Israel to seek a diplomatic solution and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As the conflict approaches its third month, the toll on both sides continues to rise. The October 7 Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. The subsequent Israeli military response has led to significant Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. With no immediate end in sight, the international community watches closely as efforts to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis continue amidst the ongoing violence.