White House Explores Cash Rewards for Gazans Aiding in Locating Hostage Bodies
The White House is exploring the possibility of offering cash rewards to Gazans who assist in locating the bodies of deceased hostages held by Hamas. This initiative aims to expedite the recovery of the remaining 19 missing remains, as part of a broader effort to secure a ceasefire agreement and ensure safety for Palestinians.
Senior White House advisors have outlined plans for a reward program, encouraging locals to help locate the bodies of the deceased, while emphasizing the challenges of the task. The advisors noted that the Gaza Strip has been heavily damaged, with extensive debris and unexploded ordnance, making the search complex. They compared the situation to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, underscoring the severity of the conditions.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, all 20 living hostages have already been returned to Israel, along with nine deceased bodies. However, the remaining 19 have yet to be found. Hamas has stated that it does not know the exact locations of these bodies and that locating them would require significant efforts. Despite this, the White House maintains that the terms of the agreement focused on the safe return of living hostages, and they remain committed to ensuring the safe return of all missing individuals.
Efforts to recover the bodies include the involvement of Israeli intelligence and Turkish retrieval experts, trained for earthquake recovery. Additionally, the White House is coordinating with mediators to address reports of Hamas executing Palestinian civilians, seeking to minimize tensions and promote safety in the region.
While some have accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by not returning all bodies, the White House has defended its position, insisting that the agreement’s primary focus was on the safe return of the living hostages. President Trump has also commented on the situation, suggesting that Hamas’s actions were aimed at eliminating criminal elements, though this view has been met with skepticism.
The ongoing efforts reflect the complex and fragile nature of the situation in Gaza, with multiple parties working to achieve a peaceful resolution. As the search for missing bodies continues, the international community remains closely watched, hoping for a swift and safe resolution to this humanitarian crisis.