Gaza parents urged to stop kids flying kites after Israel warning to Hamas

Gaza parents have been urged to cease children from flying kites, following Israel's threat of retaliation if Hamas resumes the use of incendiary kites as border weapons. The popular committees, comprised of non-governmental organization representatives and charity officials, released the advice in a statement on Monday. Coordination with Hamas authorities facilitated the announcement.

The statement emphasized that the organization is striving to prevent this practice without limiting children's right to play and ensure their safety, as they have already faced numerous restrictions on basic rights due to the ongoing conflict.

In 2018, incendiary kites and balloons were sent from Gaza into Israel, resulting in fires that ravaged hundreds of acres of land. Recently, several kites were observed drifting from Gaza into Israel, causing alarm among villagers who witnessed the attacks by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 invasion that initiated the current war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Hamas that those responsible for launching kites, balloons, or drones towards Israel would face assassination, and the areas from where they originate would be ordered to evacuate.

Umm Mohammed, a resident of Gaza City, expressed her concern over her son, Ahmed, who typically flew kites with other children for entertainment. However, she vowed to halt the practice. A senior Israeli defense official claimed Hamas is attempting to provoke Israel by encouraging Gazans to fly kites across the border. In response, Hamas stated they have lodged complaints with ceasefire mediators, alleging that Israel is presenting false excuses to prolong the conflict.

Israel also lodged a complaint with the U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace regarding the kites in accordance with the 2025 Gaza ceasefire deal.