CAIRO, October 24. /TASS/. Israeli aircraft have dropped leaflets in several areas of Gaza, calling on local residents to provide the Israeli authorities with information about people held hostage in the enclave.

The Al-Youm As-Sabia news outlet reports that the Arabic-language leaflets urge Palestinians "to do a good deed and reveal important information on those held hostage" in that particular area.

In return, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) promises to ensure the safety of those providing such information, pay a financial reward and guarantee complete confidentiality.

Earlier, the Israeli army said that it had information about 222 people being held hostage by Hamas. According to the Russian Embassy in Israel, there are at least two Russian nationals among the hostages, who also hold Israeli passports.

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again after Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7. The Palestinian movement described its attack as a response to the actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem's Temple Mount. Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and started carrying out strikes on the Palestinian enclave, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.