IAF planes drop intimidating pamphlets over Gaza

ISM Gaza | Farming Under Fire

25 May 2009

Translation of leaflet (both leaflets have the same message with different maps):

To the people of the strip:
The Israeli Defense Forces repeat their alert forbidding the coming close to the border fence at a distance less than 300 metres who gets close will subject himself to danger whereby the IDF will take necessary procedures to drive him away which will include shooting when necessary he who has alerted shall be excused!
– The IDF

Israeli forces used similar tactics during the Gazan massacre in December 2009. By dropping leaflets with warnings, Israeli forces tried to intimidate Gazans and alleviate their responsibility to avoid civilian casualties.

Israeli forces threaten Gazans to keep away from 'buffer zone'
Israeli forces threaten Gazans to keep away from 'buffer zone'
Israeli forces threaten Gazans to keep away from 'buffer zone'
Israeli forces threaten Gazans to keep away from 'buffer zone'

IAF planes drop warning pamphlets over Gaza | Ha’aretz

25 May 2009

Israel Air Force aircraft have scattered pamphlets over the Gaza Strip warning residents to stay away from the border, The Associated Press reported Monday.

The heavily guarded border is the scene of sporadic fighting between militants and Israel Defense Forces troops. Israeli forces killed two Palestinian gunmen in a clash on Friday.

The Arabic pamphlets warned Gazans to stay out of areas 300 meters to 500 meters from the border fence, saying they risk being shot.

The IDF had no comment. The military has scattered similar warning pamphlets in the past.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said a 10-year-old boy was struck by a box of leaflets and moderately hurt during Monday’s airdrop.

Violence has largely subsided in Gaza following Israel’s 3-week offensive against the coastal territory’s Hamas rulers in January