Israel Warns of Military Response to Gaza Kites

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning regarding a forceful response to kites and balloons launched from Gaza, indicating that Israel would intensify strikes in response to these provocations. Over the weekend, four kites were found near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, approximately 800 meters from the Gaza border.

Although the Israeli military confirmed that no explosives were attached to the kites, officials suspect Hamas may be testing Israel's response. Katz emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy towards such incidents, recalling that incendiary kites previously caused significant damage to Israeli farmland and forests.

Hamas rejected claims of involvement, asserting that the kites were merely "children's toys from displacement camps" and accused Israel of using the situation as a pretext for continued air strikes despite a ceasefire agreed upon in October 2023. Following recent Israeli strikes, Palestinian health officials reported two deaths, including that of four-year-old Mohammed Taha, and several injuries in Nuseirat refugee camp and al-Zawayda.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 74,420 deaths in Gaza since the war began.