Israel Threatens Strikes and Evacuations Over Kites Flown by Gaza Children
Israel has threatened further strikes and evacuations in Gaza over paper kites being flown by Palestinian children near the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Hamas had been given three days to stop the kite launches, warning that Israel could carry out a wider air assault and evacuate areas from which kites, balloons or drones are launched.
Israeli media reported that several kites believed to have come from Gaza landed near Nahal Oz. Israeli military sources said the kites were being flown by Palestinian children and that no suspicious or dangerous materials had been found on them.
Despite this, Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered Israeli forces to respond “forcefully”, describing the kite launches as an “act of war” and saying they would be treated like drone activity. Israeli officials also threatened action against Hamas commanders they believe are responsible.
Hamas rejected the Israeli threats, accusing Israel of using the kites as a pretext for intensifying attacks and describing the measures as a threat against children. The group called on international actors and mediators to intervene.
For Palestinians, kites have long carried symbolic importance, particularly among children, representing freedom amid years of blockade and conflict in Gaza.
