Israel Intensifies Military Campaign in Gaza, Drops Leaflets Warning of New Leadership
In a strategic move amid escalating tensions, Israeli aircraft dropped leaflets over southern Gaza on Saturday, depicting Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as dead and declaring, “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.” The message echoed recent statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reinforcing Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas’ leadership and influence, as reported by Reuters.
Increased Strikes and Hospital Siege Tighten Pressure
As Israel steps up airstrikes across Gaza, Palestinian health officials confirmed at least 32 casualties on Saturday alone. The strikes were accompanied by an intensified siege around hospitals in northern Gaza, specifically targeting the Jabalia refugee camp, a densely populated area. Israeli forces also deployed tanks around nearby towns, including Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, while issuing evacuation orders to residents.
According to medical staff, Israeli troops demanded the evacuation of key hospitals, including the Indonesian and Kamal Adwan facilities. However, hospital personnel refused, citing the dire conditions of critical patients. Gaza’s health ministry reported that two patients in intensive care died following power outages and supply shortages caused by the blockade. Israel’s military denied targeting medical infrastructure, stating that hospitals continued to operate at full capacity without disruption.
Israeli Leaflets Urge Fighters to Surrender
The leaflets, distributed primarily in Arabic in southern Gaza, stated, “Whoever drops their weapons and hands over the hostages will be allowed to leave and live in peace.” This message reiterated Netanyahu’s earlier statements after Sinwar’s death, which occurred during an Israeli operation near Rafah on Wednesday, close to the Egyptian border.
Al-Qaeda Figure Urges Hamas to Release Hostages
Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Mustafa Hamid, an al-Qaeda associate, called on Hamas to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza. His statement, shared online on Friday, criticized the lack of media attention toward Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Hamid urged Hamas to return both living and deceased hostages to avoid further repercussions. The message highlights potential tensions between militant factions, as al-Qaeda’s influence is limited within Gaza compared to Iran-backed Hamas.
Hamas Resolute Amid Leadership Vacuum
Hamas announced it would not release any hostages until the end of the conflict. With no immediate successor to Yahya Sinwar, experts suggest that the group’s leadership vacuum could complicate future negotiations. Analysts believe that the absence of a central figure may make it harder for Hamas to engage in meaningful discussions over the hostages’ fate.
Humanitarian Impact Worsens in Northern Gaza
Residents in Jabalia reported continuous airstrikes and blockades, with homes bombed and supplies cut off. Medical officials confirmed that hospitals are struggling to maintain operations under siege conditions. Israel maintains that its military actions aim to isolate Hamas fighters from civilians, denying any systematic efforts to clear civilians from the area.
As the conflict escalates, both sides remain entrenched, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepening. International attention is now focused on diplomatic efforts to negotiate hostage releases and prevent further civilian suffering.
Source : Swifteradio.com
