Fact Check: Did IDF Leaflets Warn of Trump's 'Forced Displacement' Plan in Gaza?

Alleged Leaflets Dropped in Gaza

• 📰 Reports surfaced, citing ABC News and other outlets, claiming the Israeli military (IDF) dropped leaflets in Gaza with disturbing messages.
• 💬 These leaflets allegedly contained phrases like "leave or die" and referenced a "Trump's mandatory plan" for forced displacement.
• 🖼️ Photos of these leaflets, purportedly featuring Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, circulated on social media.

Claims of Fabrication and Denial

• ⚠️ ABC News later issued a correction, stating they could not confirm the authenticity of the leaflets.
• ❌ The IDF issued a categorical denial, calling the ABC News report "fake news."
• 🗣️ Israeli government spokesperson David Menser also confirmed the claims were fake news.

Evidence of Forgery

• 🔍 A reverse image search revealed the first publication of these leaflets on X dating back to February 20th, a month before the recent claims.
• 🧐 Identical publications and a scratched-off area on the leaflet suggest fabrication.
• 🚫 Crucially, the leaflets lack the IDF logo and a QR code found on authentic IDF leaflets, which link to messages on the IDF website.
• 📍 There is no concrete evidence that these specific leaflets were ever dropped into Gaza.

Resurfacing of Claims

• 🚨 The claims resurfaced following a stark warning from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to Gaza residents about complete destruction if hostages were not released and Hamas not ousted.
• 🇺🇸 Katz also urged Gazans to follow the advice of the American president, echoing the sentiment of the disputed leaflets.
• 💥 This occurred as Israel resumed strikes in Gaza after a two-month ceasefire, promising increased force against Hamas.