Netanyahu Offers 7 Billion Won Reward for Hostage Return Immediately

Hamas Kidnapped About 250 Hostages Around October Last Year
Some Criticize Lack of Active Hostage Negotiations

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, has offered a huge bounty of $5 million (approximately 7 billion KRW) per hostage held by the Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas. On the 19th (local time), foreign media including The Times of Israel reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu presented a persuasion card to Hamas operatives holding hostages in an effort to find a breakthrough in ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations in the Gaza Strip war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered a huge reward of 5 million dollars (about 7 billion won) per hostage held by the Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the same day, visiting the 'Netzarim Corridor' that divides the Gaza Strip north to south, Netanyahu said this was a message to those who want to escape the deadlock, stating, "Anyone who hands over hostages will be provided with a safe escape route for themselves and their families, and $5 million will be paid for each rescued hostage." He added, "The choice is yours, but the outcome will be the same. We will bring all the hostages back."

He also said, "We are making every effort to locate and safely bring back the Israeli hostages held here," adding, "We will not give up and will continue until we bring back all surviving and deceased hostages." He warned, "Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will have blood flowing from their head," and said, "We will pursue and find you." Finally, he emphasized that Israel has destroyed Hamas's military capabilities and that Hamas will not be able to govern Palestinian territory even after the war ends.

Previously, on October 7 last year, Hamas raided southern Israel and kidnapped over 250 hostages. Some were released through negotiations. However, it is known that 97 hostages are still held in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes that at least 34 of them have died. Hamas insists that the hostages can only be released if the war stops and the blockade of the Gaza Strip is lifted.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu, who formed a government in alliance with far-right forces advocating the complete eradication of Hamas, is in a position where he must continue the war to maintain his regime, leading to criticism from some hostages' families and others that he is avoiding negotiations with Hamas. There are also growing suspicions that he deliberately leaked confidential documents to create a favorable public opinion landscape regarding the war.