The IDF on Monday urged Gaza Strip residents to exchange old-issue banknotes for current currency, warning the older notes could soon become worthless. Lt.-Col. Ella Waweya said most old notes were already replaced and anyone still holding them faces serious financial risk. The IDF accused Hamas of attempting to offload soon-worthless notes onto civilians and some operatives while holding new bills for leaders. Residents were advised not to accept payments in old banknotes and to exchange remaining notes promptly through recognized channels.
IDF Warns Gaza Residents: Exchange Old Banknotes Now to Avoid Potential Loss
Illustrative image warning residents of the Gaza Strip not to allow Hamas to deceive them in regards to the worth of old banknotes. (photo credit: Screenshot/X/@CaptainElla1)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday urged residents of the Gaza Strip to exchange old-issue banknotes for current currency, warning that the older notes could soon lose all value and leave holders with significant financial losses.
IDF Statement and Allegations
IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Lt.-Col. Ella Waweya wrote on X/Twitter that "most of the old-issue banknotes have already been replaced with new ones some time ago. If any of you still possess those old banknotes, you face a serious financial risk." The spokesperson added that in the near future those notes may be worth nothing.
"Most of the old-issue banknotes have already been replaced with new ones some time ago. If any of you still possess those old banknotes, you face a serious financial risk. In the very near future, these banknotes will be worth nothing, and you will be left with nothing," Lt.-Col. Ella Waweya wrote.
The IDF also accused Hamas of trying to exploit the situation by offloading banknotes that could soon be worthless onto Gazan civilians and even lower-tier operatives. According to Waweya, some movement members reportedly receive salaries in old notes while leaders retain the new currency.
Maj. Ella Waweya, the new Arabic language spokesperson, pictured on July 7, 2024. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Advice for Residents
The IDF urged residents not to accept wages or other payments in old banknotes and to exchange any remaining old-issue currency for current notes as soon as possible. "Do not allow the terrorist Hamas leadership to burden you with the consequences of its losses," Waweya wrote.
Where possible, residents are advised to exchange old notes through official or recognized financial channels and to verify the authenticity and status of banknotes before accepting payments.
Photo caption: Maj. Ella Waweya, the IDF Arabic-language spokesperson, pictured July 7, 2024 (credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post).
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