Netanyahu in Gaza: Vows Hamas won’t return, offers $5 million for hostages

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, visited the Gaza coastline on Tuesday, pledging that Hamas would no longer rule Gaza after the ongoing conflict. The two leaders toured the Netzarim Corridor, a key area now under the control of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which separates the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip. During the visit, Netanyahu and Katz were briefed by military commanders on the progress of operations in Gaza, with the Prime Minister stating in a video that Hamas would not remain in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel was dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and was now targeting its governing structure.

“Hamas will not rule Gaza,” Netanyahu declared, adding that Israel's operations were just beginning.

In an effort to gain intelligence on hostages taken by Hamas, Netanyahu also offered a financial incentive for Gaza residents. He announced a $5 million reward for anyone who provides information leading to the return of a hostage, ensuring safe passage for both the informant and their family. “Anyone who brings us a hostage will secure a safe way out for themselves and their family,” Netanyahu added.

This development follows Qatar's announcement on November 9 that it had suspended its mediation efforts in the ongoing hostage-for-ceasefire talks, citing a lack of good faith from both Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli military offensive, which was launched after a Hamas-led attack in October that killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of about 250 others, has resulted in extensive destruction in Gaza. Gaza's health authorities report that over 43,900 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict, which has now been ongoing for more than a year.

With IANS inputs