In brief
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vows a hard line after kites and balloons were found near the Gaza border, although no explosives were attached. The government claims Hamas is behind the spectacle and warns that such 'toy' objects will be treated like drones. Despite FIFA barrier, Hamas insists the kites are harmless child toys and accuses Israel of using the event to justify new attacks. The conflict expands as Gaza continues to suffer casualties amid an ongoing ceasefire dispute.
Israel has warned that repeated kites, drones and balloons launched from Gaza will trigger increased strikes, asserting zero tolerance for any threat to its communities. Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday: "Forceful actions will be taken to put an end to this phenomenon."
Four kites were found near the kibbutz Nahal Oz, only 800 metres from the Gaza border, on Friday and Saturday. Local media reported additional kites elsewhere in southern Israel last week. Military officials say they suspect Hamas behind the launches, suggesting the objects might test Israel’s response capability. No explosives were attached to the kites and they did not pose a direct threat.
Katz warned that a balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite is treated like a drone, regardless of whether it contains explosives. Residents of Nahal Oz expressed fear that incendiary kites and balloons could return, saying they would not accept containment of their security.
Hamas denied responsibility for the new kites and said they were children's toys from displacement camps. The group also accused Israel of using the kites as a pretext for continued air strikes in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreed last October, describing the accusations as fabricated attempts to justify further aggression.
Palestinian health officials reported casualties from recent Israeli strikes in Gaza, including two people killed and seven injured in Nuseirat refugee camp and al‑Zawayda town. The Israeli military said it had killed a Hamas weapons manufacturing commander in the Maghazi area and warned residents to evacuate before attacks. Residents called for solutions and peace.
