Israel drops leaflets over Gaza displaying Sinwar’s body, issues stern warning to Hamas

In an escalating effort to dismantle Hamas’s control, Israeli warplanes dropped thousands of leaflets over southern Gaza on Saturday.

The leaflets featured a haunting image of deceased Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar alongside a bold message: “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.” This declaration echoes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement.

The Arabic-written leaflets addressed to Hamas militants urged them to lay down their arms and surrender. In exchange, they would be allowed to depart Gaza peacefully, without harm. The message read: “Whoever drops the weapon and hands over the hostages will be allowed to leave and live in peace.”

Meanwhile, Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in significant casualties. At least 32 Palestinians lost their lives, with multiple airstrikes targeting residential areas.

The Israeli military also tightened its siege around hospitals in Jabalia, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Medical facilities face severe shortages, struggling to treat the wounded.

“The Israeli occupation is intensifying its targeting of the health system in the northern Gaza Strip, by besieging and directly targeting the Indonesian Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Al-Awda Hospital during the past hours and its insistence on putting them out of service,” the Gaza health ministry said.

It said two patients in intensive care at the Indonesian Hospital died “as a result of the hospital’s siege and the power outage and medical supplies”.

Gaza health authorities have reported staggering casualties of over 42,500 Palestinians killed and 10,000 more presumed dead under the rubble.

The conflict’s escalation has sparked international concern, with calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid pouring in.