Israel offering over £240m for safe return of hostages still held by Hamas

ISRAEL is offering more than £240million for the safe return of hostages still held by Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Palestinians in Gaza who helped his forces recover the 65 or so captives would be paid $5million — £3.9million — for each one safely returned.

Mr Netanyahu made the offer in a visit to the Strip with new defence minister Israel Katz.

He said: “Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way out for himself and his family.

“We’ll also give $5million for every hostage.”

But he also issued a warning to those still keeping the men, women and children captive more than a year after 251 were snatched in the October 7 massacre.

He said: “Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price

“We will pursue you and we will find you.”

During the visit to the Strip on Tuesday Mr Netanyahu insisted that Hamas would not be allowed to govern in Gaza once the conflict is over.

He said: “We are destroying its military capabilities in a very impressive manner, and we are moving on to its ruling capabilities. Hamas will not be in Gaza.

“Israel is also doing everything it can to locate our hostages, and return them.

“We are not letting up. We will continue to do so until we get them all — both the living and the dead.”

AFP

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Palestinians who helped his forces recover the 65 or so captives would be paid $5million for each one safely returned[/caption]