Gaza: The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza on Tuesday asking Palestinians to provide information on hostages held by Hamas and offer them protection and reward.
A Palestinian militant group seized more than 200 people during cross-border raids into Israel that killed 1,400 people on October 7. The Palestinian Ministry of Health says Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have since killed over 5,000 people.
“If it is your will to live in peace and have a better future for your children, do an immediate humanitarian act and share verified and valuable information about the hostages held in your area,” the army said in a leaflet.
Freed Israeli hostage says Hamas treated her well after initial violence
“The Israeli army assures you that they will make every effort to provide security for you and your home, and you will be financially rewarded. We guarantee you complete discretion.”
The flyer listed phone numbers to call with information.
People who took refuge at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, collected leaflets and tore them up after they were dropped by Israeli planes.
Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one Palestinian said: “We don’t care, do what you want. All of us in Gaza are telling you that we are resisting, from east to west.”
Israeli forces are massed near the Gaza border, awaiting orders for an expected ground invasion to free the hostages and destroy Hamas.
Israel says the hostages, which include foreign nationals, have been taken to Gaza, but their exact whereabouts are unknown, complicating their rescue. Officials said many could be held in the maze of tunnels under Gaza.
Hamas released the four hostages and promised to free others “when conditions on the ground allow.”
Image Source: Bloomberg.com
