GAZA, Dec. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian residents in northern Gaza Strip said Wednesday that Israeli aircraft dropped leaflets calling on them to evacuate the area by 6 p.m. (1600 GMT).

   The leaflets, featuring a map indicating limits of a buffer zone Israel will enforce, were dropped in the area of the former settlements of Nissanit, Elei Sinai and Dugit, where Palestinian militants fire homemade rockets at southern Israel.

   "Whoever ignores this warning is putting his life in genuine danger," the leaflets said.

   The leaflets, written in Arabic, warned that anyone in the area after the deadline will be targeted.

   Palestinian militants, mainly from the Islamic Jihad (Holy War),have frequently fired Qassam rockets at Israeli targets from northern Gaza Strip since Israel completed the Gaza pullout in September.

   Rocket attacks have been mounted over the past weeks, prompting Israel to set up the buffer zone. Enditem