Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz drove along the Gaza coastline Tuesday, declaring that Hamas would never again control the Palestinian enclave once the war is over.
The two leaders, accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet security agency Chief Ronen Bar, visited an area that Israel has dubbed the Netzarim Corridor.
Reports Xinhua news agency that the Israeli military now takes charge of the route which separates the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office said that both received an operational briefing by military commanders on activities at an observation point in the corridor and "held a discussion with the commanders on the Gaza coastline."
"Hamas will not rule Gaza," Netanyahu said in a video statement filmed against the backdrop of Gaza's coastline. "We are dismantling its military capabilities in a very impressive manner. We are now targeting its governing capabilities, and this is just the beginning. Hamas will not remain in Gaza."
Netanyahu also announced a financial incentive for Gaza residents who provide information about hostages, stating: “Anyone who brings us a hostage will secure a safe way out for themselves and their family. We will also reward 5 million dollars for each hostage.”
On 9 November, Qatar announced that due to the lack of good faith displayed by both sides of the conflict, it was suspending its mediation efforts on a hostage-for-ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli military assault, which began after a Hamas-led attack last October killed about 1,200 and took close to 250 others away for ransom, has been devastating to Gaza. Over 43,900 Palestinians have died in the campaign, according to Gaza's health authorities.
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