Israel has lost! Instead of bombing Gaza, it is offering 'financial aid'
After bombing Gaza for more than a year, the Israeli Prime Minister has made a new offer to bring back the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video message saying that anyone who takes out the hostages held in Gaza will be given a reward of 5 million dollars from Israel.
According to his office, this video was filmed inside the Palestinian territory. In this video, Netanyahu said, "Whoever takes out the hostage will get a safe way out of Gaza for himself and his family with us." That is, he has promised shelter in Israel and 5 million dollars to those who provide information about the hostages in Gaza.
החמאס לא ישלוט בעזה. מי שיעז לפגוע בחטופינו - דמו בראשו. אנחנו נרדוף אתכם, ואנחנו נשיג אתכם. pic.twitter.com/6Coj7l410O
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 19, 2024
Netanyahu in a helmet and bulletproof jacket
In the video, Netanyahu is wearing a helmet and a bulletproof jacket. He, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz, stressed that the aim of this war is to eliminate Hamas from Gaza and not let it rule there in the future. He said, "Anyone who dares to harm our hostages is considered dead - we will pursue you and we will catch you."
Netanyahu further said that we are also trying to locate the hostages and bring them back home. We will not give up, we will continue working until we find them alive or dead.
Pressure to accept Hamas' condition
In a meeting held on Monday, security officials told Netanyahu that the release of the hostages could only happen through diplomatic means. Officials said that the only way to get the hostages out was to accept Hamas' conditions. Protests against Netanyahu are increasing in Israel, and the families of the hostages are appealing to the government for a ceasefire in Gaza.
How many hostages are there in Gaza right now?
Hamas fighters took 251 people hostage during the 7 October 2023 attack. 97 of them are still held in Gaza, of which 34 have been confirmed dead. About 132 hostages have been released in previous agreements and operations.