Mumtaz Moosa | mumtazs@icloud.com
20 November 2024 | 16:30 CAT
2 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a $5 million reward for each captive freed from Gaza, alongside an offer of safe passage for anyone who aids in the release of Israelis held by Hamas. This announcement was made during a brief visit to Gaza on Tuesday, where Netanyahu observed the Israeli military’s Netzarim Corridor. This strategic route separates northern Gaza from the southern region.

“To those seeking an exit from this situation, I say: whoever delivers a hostage will secure safe passage for themselves and their family. Additionally, a $5 million reward is offered for every hostage,” Netanyahu stated during his visit.

He emphasised Israel’s commitment, declaring, “The choice is yours, but the outcome is inevitable: we will bring them all home.” Israeli estimates suggest that 101 hostages remain in Gaza, though it is believed that approximately a third of them may have died. The reward proposal comes amid persistent protests in Israel by families of the captives, who are urging Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Hamas for their release.

Netanyahu has reiterated that military action remains the primary strategy to ensure the return of all captives, asserting that Israel’s offensive in Gaza will continue until this goal is achieved. Some families of the captives have criticised the government for insufficient efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Additionally, a former aide to Netanyahu was recently detained on suspicion of leaking sensitive information, potentially to undermine previous truce discussions with Hamas.

Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s stance against a ceasefire is driven by concerns that halting the conflict could destabilise his far-right coalition and potentially prompt an inquiry into security lapses leading up to the 7 October Hamas attack. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces a separate corruption investigation.

Hamas has accused Israeli negotiators of lacking genuine commitment to ending hostilities. Netanyahu, praising the Israeli military’s efforts in Gaza, declared that Hamas would not be allowed to regain control of the territory. “The army is performing exceptionally well in the central and wider areas of Gaza,” he said, according to a statement from his office.

A UN special committee recently reported that Israeli actions in Gaza bear characteristics of genocide, alleging the use of starvation tactics against Palestinian civilians. The committee noted that Israel’s operations have led to “mass civilian casualties and severe conditions for survival,” with officials advocating policies that deny Palestinians access to essential resources such as food, water, and fuel.

According to recent figures, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 104,000.

On Monday, leaders of the G20, convening in Rio de Janeiro, called for comprehensive ceasefires in Gaza. They expressed grave concern over the “dire humanitarian crisis” in the region, alongside worries about rising tensions in Lebanon. The G20 statement emphasised the need for ceasefires to enable displaced individuals in southern Lebanon and northern Israel to return home safely.