Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare visit to Gaza on Tuesday, delivering a strong message that Hamas will never govern the Palestinian enclave again. Netanyahu, wearing a battle vest and ballistic helmet, stood at a seaside location in Gaza and vowed to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities entirely. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating the militant group, declaring, “Hamas shall not return.”
Netanyahu visitó a las fuerzas en Gaza junto a Israel Katz !!!
“Hamás no estará mas en Gaza, su destino está juzgado,
Se entregarán 5 millones de dólares y libre salida de Gaza a quien libere a un Rehén a Israel” pic.twitter.com/GCOMklS3al— Isaac (@isaacrrr7) November 19, 2024
Focus on Hostages and Rewards for Their Return
During his visit, Netanyahu addressed the ongoing efforts to rescue 101 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. He announced a $5 million reward for the return of each hostage, emphasizing Israel’s resolve to recover them all.
“Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will have blood on their head. We will hunt you down and get you,” Netanyahu warned. He further offered safe passage to those who aid in returning hostages, stating, “Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way. The choice is yours, but the result will be the same. We’ll get them all back.”
Netanyahu’s visit included a briefing on operational activities from Israel’s military leadership. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Army Chief Herzi Halevi accompanied him on the tour. The Israeli leader’s visit comes as the country’s military continues its most extensive campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Casualties and Destruction in Gaza
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s deadly October 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in unprecedented destruction. The initial assault claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and saw over 250 hostages taken. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 44,000 people and wounded over 103,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, leaving the territory in ruins.
While Israel and its Western allies classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, the group enjoys support from Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Iran, who view it as a resistance force fighting for Palestinian statehood. Hamas’s supporters argue that the group champions the Palestinian cause, though its actions have reignited international focus on the region’s unresolved conflicts.
Netanyahu’s visit underscores Israel’s determination to neutralize Hamas and rescue the hostages, as the prolonged conflict continues to reshape the political and humanitarian landscape in Gaza.
