Leaflets purportedly dropped by IDF echo Netanyahu’s call for Gazans to lay down arms, free hostages

Leaflets purportedly dropped by Israel Defense Forces planes in southern Gaza show a picture of slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, with the message “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” echoing language used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Yahya Sinwar has ruined your lives. He hid in a dark tunnel and was eliminated when he attempted to flee in panic. Whoever lays down their weapons and hands over the hostages will be allowed to leave and live in peace,” the leaflet, written in Arabic, reads, according to residents of the southern city of Khan Younis and images circulating online.

IDF dropping leaflets in Khan Yunis, Gaza:

"Yahya Sinwar has ruined your lives. He hid in a dark tunnel and was eliminated when he attempted to flee in panic. Lay down your weapons, return the hostages, and live in peace.” pic.twitter.com/BPkYDfiXNK

— Vivid.???????? (@VividProwess) October 19, 2024

Though attributed to the IDF by Reuters, the leaflets are designed differently to notices from the Israeli military circulated in both Gaza and more recently in southern Lebanon, which are often also published on social media.

The leaflet’s wording is similar to a statement made by Netanyahu on Thursday after Sinwar was killed by Israeli soldiers operating in Rafah, in the south near the Egyptian border, the previous day.