Uncertainty after the death of Sinwar; Israeli millionaires offer hefty rewards for release of hostages

tel aviv - Families of hostages hope for a breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas after the death of Yahya Sinwar.

Many feel that now, so soon after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, is a moment of 'now or never' to see their loved ones again. This sentiment is widespread in Israel, with various entrepreneurs coming up with initiatives to convince Hamas fighters, or other Palestinians in Gaza, to release hostages. The reward for this could amount to $200,000 per hostage, plus immunity from the Israeli government.

The families hold onto hope, but also fear. Israeli officials express concerns that Hamas may execute several hostages in retaliation for Sinwar's death. An Israeli former negotiator, who had previously reached a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, even fears that Sinwar may have ordered the killing of all hostages if he were to die himself. However, there have been no signs of that so far.

Israel is currently pursuing two different paths in an effort to free the hostages. Mossad director David Barnea is pushing for a broad deal that would end the wars in Lebanon and Gaza, but the chance of that happening is currently very slim due to Israel demanding more control in Lebanon.

There is also work being done on a limited agreement: a deal with Hamas where a short two-week ceasefire leads to the release of at least five hostages. The new head of Egyptian intelligence, Hassan Rashad, is focusing on this approach. He recently met with the head of Israel's domestic security agency Shin Bet, Ronen Bar. However, not everyone in the Israeli government is supportive of such a temporary deal.

Private initiatives are also on the rise, with the belief that now is the time to reach an agreement in Gaza. Millionaire David Birnbaum is offering $100,000 for each released hostage, whether paid in cash or bitcoin. He claims to have received over a hundred responses, some of which are being taken seriously and investigated. Another Israeli entrepreneur is raising funds for this cause. Real estate developer David Hager has already gathered $400,000 and aims to reach a total of $10 million for the release of hostages.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has dropped flyers over Gaza with a message condemning Sinwar and urging fighters to surrender the hostages in exchange for a peaceful life. This echoes a similar message conveyed by Netanyahu after Sinwar's death.

The families of the hostages are currently living in anxious times, unsure if Sinwar's death brings their loved ones closer to returning. Furthermore, rumors circulated over the weekend about Israeli soldiers rescuing hostages, which the military spokesperson had to repeatedly deny.

One of the allegedly rescued hostages was Liri Albag, a 19-year-old female soldier kidnapped on October 7. Her mother, Shira Albag, described the sleepless night her family had after false claims of the rescue spread rapidly through various platforms.

False news of the rescues spread quickly online and in messaging groups, possibly originating from the TikTok account of an Israeli Arab, who has since been arrested and could face a five-year prison sentence.