Frustrated with the dwindling prospect of reaching a ceasefire deal in the year-long Gaza conflict, some Israeli entrepreneurs have sought a different avenue to release hostages — offering a financial reward for those who choose to free them, AFP reports.

Former SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum told AFP he had received around 100 calls after announcing on social media platform X that he would give $100,000 in cash or bitcoin to “anyone who delivers from Gaza a living Israeli prisoner”.

Birnbaum said most of the calls were pranks, threats or curses, but “10 to 20 could be legitimate” and were transferred to Israeli authorities for further verification.