Netanyahu offers $5 million for return of hostages held by Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday told people in Gaza that his government would pay $5 million for any hostage brought to Israeli authorities. Netanyahu also promised that any individuals who surrendered such a hostage would receive safe travel out of Gaza for both themselves and their families. Conversely, if any individuals in Gaza hurt one of the hostages, Israel would ensure they paid the price for doing so, Netanyahu warned.

How many hostages are still in Gaza? Bring Them Home Now, a group of hostages’ families and friends, said on Wednesday that 101 hostages were still in Gaza. The hostages have been in Gaza for 411 days as of Wednesday, according to the organization.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report in The Sift about how Pope Francis is calling for an investigation into the conflict in Gaza.