Expressing frustration with the diminishing chances of achieving a ceasefire agreement in the year-long Gaza conflict, certain Israeli business leaders have pursued an alternative approach to securing the release of hostages by offering a financial incentive to those willing to facilitate their freedom.
Daniel Birnbaum, the former CEO of SodaStream, revealed to AFP on Monday that he had received approximately 100 inquiries after announcing on the social media platform X his intention to provide $100,000 in cash or bitcoin to “anyone who brings forth a living Israeli captive from Gaza.”
He said that his offer would remain valid until “midnight Wednesday.”
Militants seized 251 individuals during the October 7, 2023 assault orchestrated by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas. Currently, 97 individuals remain in captivity in Gaza, including 34 whom Israeli authorities claim to be deceased.
According to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-governed territory, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 42,603 individuals in Gaza, the majority of whom were civilians, figures that the UN deems credible.
Birnbaum remarked, “I don’t anticipate recovering everyone, but I would be overjoyed if we could retrieve just one captive.” Adding that he did not seek “permission” from the Israeli government.
“I believe introducing a financial reward should originate from the private sector. Let’s see if it yields results. Whatever we have been doing until now is not effective,” he said.
Upon learning of Birnbaum’s initiative, Israeli-American real estate developer David Hager also began fundraising efforts. On Sunday, he informed Israel’s Channel 12 that he had already amassed approximately $400,000 with the assistance of friends.
Hager stated that each of them “contributed $100,000,” urging other businesspeople to contribute to reach a total of $10 million.
Following the recent passing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Thursday that Palestinians who disarm and facilitate the return of captives would be allowed to live.
During a one-week ceasefire in November of the previous year, 105 captives were released, including 80 Israelis, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Since then, all endeavours to secure a new ceasefire have faltered, with both sides blaming each other for the stalled negotiations.
