Israel warns Hamas over kite launches from Gaza

Jerusalem - Israel has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating 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 Israeli military has recovered around 10 kites in communities near the Gaza border, with one being intercepted by the army on Sunday, raising the total to approximately 10.

These launches, which do not carry explosives, have revived memories of past waves of incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza, which ignited fires in southern Israel's agricultural lands. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have stated that if the launches persist, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify targeted operations against those responsible and evacuate populations from areas from which the kites, drones and balloons are launched.

Hamas has denied responsibility for the launches, with a member of the group claiming the kites were launched by children seeking their lost childhood amidst the rubble. The Islamist group also accused Israel of using the kites as a pretext for airstrikes in central Gaza on Sunday, which resulted in three deaths according to Gaza's civil defense rescue service.