Israel warns of 'forceful' response to kites flown from Gaza
Israel has threatened a forceful response to the appearance of kites near the Gaza border, citing security concerns despite Hamas denying involvement. Israeli officials warn that any airborne devices, including kites and balloons, will be treated with zero tolerance.
Why it matters
This escalation highlights the ongoing fragility of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed conflict in the region over perceived security threats.
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images Image caption, A Palestinian boy holds up a kite at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City on Sunday
Israel has warned Hamas that it will increase strikes on Gaza following concern over launches of kites, drones and balloons from the territory.
Several kites - which were not carrying explosives - were found in an Israeli community near the border with Gaza over the weekend, local media reported.
"Forceful actions will be taken to put an end to this phenomenon," Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday.
Before the war, kites and balloons carrying incendiary devices were launched into Israel, causing fires that burned forest and farmland.
Hamas has denied responsibility for the new kites and said they belonged to "children searching for their innocent childhood amid the rubble".
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