In a startling revelation, Israeli authorities have released a video featuring a captured Hamas militant who exposes the shocking incentives provided by the group to its operatives. The captured militant disclosed that Hamas had promised a reward of $10,000 and even an apartment for each hostage successfully brought back to Gaza.
The video was made public by Israel’s security agency, Shin Bet, and the country’s police force, shedding light on a series of events that took place on October 7. On that fateful day, Hamas orchestrated a series of surprise terror attacks in Israel, leading to a tragic loss of nearly 1,400 lives, according to Israeli sources.
The captured Hamas operative, whose identity remains undisclosed, revealed in the video that he had received orders to “kidnap as many as possible” during these terror attacks. What’s more, the video showcases the disturbing offer made to Hamas members: a substantial financial “stipend” and the prospect of owning an apartment for each Israeli hostage they managed to bring into Gaza.
The details of this reward scheme were attributed to a high-ranking member of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, as mentioned by the captured militant during the interrogation. “That’s how it works in the Al-Qassam Brigades,” he declared.
It is important to note that the Al-Qassam Brigades is the military arm of Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the European Union, the United States, and other international bodies. It is widely regarded as the largest and most formidable militant group operating in the Gaza Strip.
Following the events of October 7, over 200 hostages were believed to be trapped in Gaza, as reported by Reuters. Subsequently, some hostages were released, including two elderly individuals who were freed on a Monday.
The situation has drawn global attention, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urging Hamas to release the hostages without delay. President Joe Biden also expressed his commitment to supporting a ceasefire agreement once the hostages’ safe release is ensured.
In the wake of the violence, numerous human rights organizations have called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Retaliatory airstrikes have resulted in extensive damage in the region, and there is concern that Israel might initiate a ground offensive in Gaza.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the violence that unfolded since October 7 has claimed the lives of over 5,000 Palestinians. The situation remains fluid, with efforts to secure the release of hostages and bring about a cessation of hostilities gaining prominence on the international stage.
This recent revelation underscores the complex and troubling dynamics at play in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides grappling with the human cost of this enduring and deeply entrenched conflict. The world continues to watch closely, hoping for a swift resolution and the prevention of further loss of life.
