The Israeli army has dropped leaflets on parts of south Lebanon for the first time since the Israel-Hamas fighting began, warning residents not to help Hezbollah, according to the locals.

“Early Friday morning, a drone dropped leaflets over the village that landed between the houses,” said a resident of Kfarshuba near the border, requesting anonymity due to security concerns.

Another resident said leaflets were dropped twice after the wind blew many from the initial batch away.

“To the residents of south Lebanon, we inform you that the terrorist Hezbollah is infiltrating into your homes and your lands,” read a copy of a leaflet seen by AFP.

“You must stop this terrorism for your own security,” the text added, warning the population that assisting Hezbollah would expose them “to danger”.