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The Israeli army has intensified efforts to track down hundreds of civilians taken hostage by Hamas at the onset of an ongoing war. IDF aircraft dropped leaflets on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday assuring Palestinians of financial rewards and a ‘better future’ for their children in lieu of information.
“If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area,” the IDF said.
The Israeli military said it would ‘invest maximum effort’ in providing such residents with security for themselves and their homes. It also promised ‘complete confidentiality’ and a financial reward for those coming forward with relevant information.
Hamas has freed four individuals over the past few days while more than 200 others – including an undermined number of foreign nationals and dual citizenship holders – remain captive. The hostages are believed to be trapped in Gaza – some within the labyrinth of Hamas tunnels dug beneath the coastal strip.
The Israel Defence Forces have so far confirmed the kidnapping of 222 people by Hamas on October 7. The matter has also prompted a flurry of diplomatic activity as other countries strive to bring their citizens home from Hamas’ captivity. Leading officials including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have visited Israel in recent days to reaffirm their support for the country’s war against Hamas and take stock of the situation.
Gas-rich Qatar has emerged a key intermediary in the hostage negotiations as it strives to maintain a delicate international balancing act. The small Arabian Peninsula country has links with those viewed as militant groups by the West and continues to preserve its close security ties with the United States.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Updated: 24 Oct 2023, 08:15 PM IST
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