In brief
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned of a "forceful" military response after several kites, drones and balloons were discovered near the Gaza border, with the faction claiming they could signal future aggression. The kites, empty of explosives, were found in Kibbutz Nahal Oz and other southern Israel communities, prompting a zero‑tolerance stance from Israeli forces. Hamas denies responsibility, labeling the devices as children’s toys, and accuses Israel of using the incident as a pretext to continue air raids beyond the ceasefire agreed last October. The incident comes amid escalating violence, with recent Israeli strikes killing civilians in Gaza and continuing military campaigns against Hamas targets.
Israel has warned Hamas it will intensify strikes on Gaza after concerns over the launching of kites, drones and balloons from the territory. Several kites—none carrying explosives—were discovered in an Israeli community near the Gaza border over the weekend, local media reported.
"Forceful actions will be taken to put an end to this phenomenon," Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday, emphasising that a balloon would be treated like a kite and a kite like a drone, with or without explosives.
The Israeli military cited sources that believed Hamas was behind the kites and suspected they were meant to test Israel’s response. The kites lacked any suspicious materials, a report noted, but the military maintained a zero‑tolerance stance.
Residents of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, located 800 metres from the Gaza border, expressed anxiety about the return of incendiary devices and called for stronger security measures. "We will not accept a policy of containment when it comes to our security," a local statement read.
Hamas denied responsibility for the kites, describing them as children’s toys from displacement camps, and accused Israel of using the incident as a pretext to justify continued aggression. The group warned of "the danger of allegations and threats" and said the usage of kites could lead to increased injuries among civilians in the future.
The latest incident follows a series of Israeli strikes in Gaza that have killed civilians and intensified the broader conflict. Palestinian health officials reported fatalities in central Gaza after two Israeli strikes on refugee camps, and earlier this week the military targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing site in the Maghazi area. While the ceasefire agreement was signed in October, the ongoing violence continues with heavy casualties on both sides.
