Israel warns Hamas over kite launches from Gaza

JERUSALEM: Israel has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that it will intensify military operations in Gaza if the launches of kites, drones, and balloons towards Israel continue, following a recent surge in such incidents. The warning comes after Israeli authorities recovered around 10 kites near the Gaza border, with one being shot down by the army on Sunday, bringing the total to ten in recent days.

The Israeli military attributes these launches to Hamas, which did not carry explosives and may have been testing Israel's response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz declared in a joint statement that if the launches cease immediately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify targeted operations against those responsible and evacuate populations from areas from which the projectiles are launched.

The incidents have evoked memories of previous years' waves of incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza, which ignited fires in southern Israel's agricultural lands. Hamas, however, denied responsibility for the launches, stating that children were launching the kites in search of their innocent childhood amidst the rubble.

They accused Israel of using the kites as a pretext for airstrikes in central Gaza on Sunday, resulting in three casualties according to Gaza's civil defense rescue service.