Another kite sent from Gaza was found on a tree in Kibbutz Nahal Oz

Israel has returned to a policy of containment and reactivity instead of initiative following the launch of kites from Gaza into Israeli territory. A fifth kite was found in Nahal Oz, a Gaza border community. According to Uri Epstein, head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, as cited by the Jerusalem Post, this incident reinforces the understanding that the kite launches are not a one-time event.

The kite launches have prompted a warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz that if the launches do not stop immediately, the IDF will increase strikes on the Gaza Strip. They stated that the strikes would target those responsible for the launches. Israel Katz said that forceful actions will be taken to put an end to the kite launches.

Hamas has denied responsibility for the kite launches, saying they belong to "children searching for their innocent childhood amid the rubble", as reported by BBC News. The group also accused Israel of using the kites as a "pretext" for continued air strikes in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreed last October.

Brief written by urgent.news from Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, Jerusalem Post, BBC News — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.