Israel warns of 'forceful' response to kites flown from Gaza

Israel has issued a stern warning to Hamas that it will intensify attacks on Gaza, following the discovery of kites, drones, and balloons originating from the territory. Local media reported that several kites were found in an Israeli community situated near the border with Gaza over the weekend. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated on Monday that forceful actions would be taken to put an end to this issue.

Pre-war, kites and balloons carrying incendiary devices were launched into Israel, leading to fires that ravaged forests and farmlands. Hamas has denied responsibility for the recent kites, which did not carry explosives, calling them the toys of children searching for normalcy amidst the ruins. However, Israel accuses Hamas of using the kites as a pretext for continued air strikes in Gaza, despite the ceasefire that was agreed upon last October.

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have also condemned Israel for refusing to investigate criminal acts involving aid workers in Gaza. Four kites were discovered in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, located about 800 meters from the Gaza border, on Friday and Saturday. Additional kites were found in other regions of southern Israel last week, according to local media.

Military sources believe Hamas is responsible for the kites and that they may have been intended to test Israel's response. Although no dangerous materials were attached to the kites, Katz emphasized that there would be zero tolerance, stating that a balloon, like a kite, would be treated with the same severity, whether or not explosives are present.

Residents of Nahal Oz expressed their fear of the return of incendiary kites and balloons, asserting that they would not accept a policy of containment regarding their security. Hamas dismissed the allegations and threats from Israel, claiming the kites were merely the toys of children displaced from camps. The group accused Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify the continuation of aggression and violations against their people.

On Sunday, two people were killed and seven injured in Israeli strikes in Nuseirat refugee camp and the town of al-Zawayda in central Gaza. An Israeli military strike killed four-year-old Mohammed Taha in al-Zawayda, and a displaced man reported ongoing concerns about the lack of ceasefire and the desire for peace. Another Palestinian, Mohammed Abu Asad, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike on a tent in Deir al-Balah, where he was identified as a member of Hamas's elite Nukhba forces involved in the 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 73,420 fatalities in Gaza since the ceasefire began, including 1,288 since its implementation, according to Hamas-run health officials.