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Benjamin Netanyahu warns Hamas to halt kite flying in Gaza to avoid intensified military operations and civilian evacuations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint warning to Hamas, stating that Israeli forces will intensify targeted operations if kites, drones, and balloons continue to be launched from the Gaza Strip into southern Israeli communities. The administration of the Israeli government warned that those responsible for the launches will be targeted, and civilians from the launch areas will be evacuated. This dispute arises as several kites, not carrying incendiary devices, have drifted into Israel over the last month. The Board of Peace has also conveyed a message through mediators demanding that Hamas halt all militant activity, including kite flying, to avoid serious consequences. In response, Hamas authorities and local popular committees have urged parents in Gaza to stop their children from flying kites to protect their innocent lives. While Hamas's Basem Naim rejected the warning, describing the activity as innocent children's activities, the Israeli government remains firm on the requirement to cease the launches to move toward the goal of disarming Hamas.

Sources