Israel warns Hamas over kite launches from Gaza

Israel has issued a stern warning to Hamas regarding the ongoing launches of kites, drones, and balloons from Gaza towards its territory. The Israeli military claims that these incidents, which have seen a recent surge, are tests by Hamas to gauge Israel's response. Four kites were discovered in communities close to the Gaza border on Saturday, with one being shot down by the Israeli army on Sunday, raising the total recovered to approximately ten over recent days.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, in a joint statement, declared that if the launches towards Israel are not halted immediately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify targeted operations against those responsible and evacuate the population from areas from which these objects are launched. This move comes after a security assessment with top military and security officials on Sunday.

The recent incidents have brought back memories of previous years when incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza led to fires in agricultural lands in southern Israel. Uri Epstein, a leader for Gaza border communities, emphasized that after October 7, 2023, the community will no longer tolerate such provocations. He urged the army to act promptly, stating that the presence of these objects in the sky is a clear sign that it is the army's responsibility to take timely action.