IDF urges Gaza residents to exchange old banknotes, prevent Hamas's financial exploitation

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have called on residents of the Gaza Strip to safeguard themselves against financial exploitation by Hamas, urging them to replace old banknotes with newer currency. IDF spokesman Lt.-Col. Ella Waweya warned that soon, old banknotes could become worthless, leaving those who still hold them with no financial recourse.

Waweya emphasized that most of the old banknotes have already been exchanged for new ones. However, she cautioned that if any Gazans still possess the old currency, they face a significant financial risk. In the near future, these notes will be worthless, leaving individuals with nothing.

According to Waweya, Hamas is attempting to exploit the situation by offloading worthless banknotes onto the Gazan population and even its own operatives. While some movement members receive salaries in old banknotes, Hamas leaders hold onto the new currency for themselves. This disparity leaves the field operatives and residents of the Strip to bear the financial losses alone, as stated by Waweya.

The IDF advised Gazans to avoid accepting salaries or payments in old banknotes, urging them not to allow the terrorist Hamas leadership to burden them with the consequences of its financial mismanagement.