Israel to expel Palestinians in Gaza over kites flown by children

Israel has instructed its military to expel Palestinians from areas of Gaza where children are flying kites and releasing balloons, according to a report by Israel's Channel 13. Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened a "severe response" to any further launches of such objects towards southern Israeli communities. Katz emphasized that every launch is an act of terrorism, even though the Israeli army itself had previously deemed kites and balloons to pose no danger to Israeli civilians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered this new measure, which the military will enforce with all necessary means, including evacuating the population from affected areas. The Israeli military has already responded to public demands by increasing targeted assassinations across the Gaza Strip. Hamas has been blamed for the increase in kites crossing into Israel, with Palestinian kites becoming more frequent in recent months.

Local non-governmental organizations in Gaza have urged parents to stop their children from flying kites to protect them from the potential consequences of Israel's threats.