Israel warns Hamas over kite launches from Gaza

JERUSALEM: Israel has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening to intensify military operations in Gaza if the launches of kites, drones and balloons towards Israeli territory continue. This comes after a recent surge in such incidents. However, Hamas has denied any involvement in the launches. Israeli media reported that four kites were discovered near the Gaza border on Saturday, with one being shot down by the Israeli army on Sunday, bringing the total recovered to approximately ten in recent days.

These incidents have brought back memories of past waves of incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza, which sparked fires in southern Israel's agricultural lands. The Israeli military suspects Hamas of being behind the launches, which did not carry explosives and may have been a test of Israel's response. If the launches do not cease immediately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have said they will take action against those responsible and evacuate populations from areas where such launches originate.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz made these statements jointly. In response, Hamas accused Israel of using the kites as a pretext for airstrikes in central Gaza on Sunday, resulting in three deaths according to Gaza's civil defense rescue service.