Israel offers Gazans financial rewards for hostage intel

By Abdel-Rauf Arnaut

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army offered financial rewards for Palestinians who share information on the whereabouts of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“If you want a better future for you and your children, take action and provide us with solid and useful information as soon as possible regarding the hostages in your area,” read leaflets dropped by the Israeli army on Gaza.

“The Israeli army assures you that it will put forth maximum effort to provide you and your home with security, as well as a financial reward,” the leaflets said.

“We guarantee you complete confidentiality,” they said, providing a mobile number where information can be sent.

On Monday, the Israeli army said that 222 hostages are held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

More than 7,100 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.