Key facts
- Israel's defense minister ordered the military to expel Palestinians from Gaza areas where children fly kites and balloons.
- The directive follows previous kite and balloon launches from Gaza into Israeli communities.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the new measure.
- The Israeli military is authorized to evacuate populations from areas where launches occur.
- Hamas is reportedly responsible for an increase in kite launches.
- Hamas officials have urged parents to prevent children from flying kites.
Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the military to expel Palestinians from areas in the Gaza Strip from which children fly kites and balloons, according to an Israeli Channel 13 report. Katz reportedly told army chief Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials that an ultimatum regarding such launches had expired and that every launch would be met with a severe response.
Katz stated that from Israel's perspective, every launch is considered an act of terrorism, despite the Israeli army having previously deemed them non-threatening. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the new measure, which includes evacuating populations from areas from which launches are carried out to deal with 'centers of terrorism'. Katz emphasized that Israel would not allow Hamas or any other group to threaten Israeli communities near Gaza, warning that those who do will pay a heavy price.
Recent months have seen an increase in kites flown from Gaza into Israel, with Israeli media reporting that the security establishment holds Hamas responsible due to frustration over Israel's actions in the enclave. Last week, four kites were found near the Gaza-Israel boundary, prompting residents to demand a military response and express concerns about a policy of containment. Ori Epstein, head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, stated that a kite crossing into Israeli territory requires a response to convey that such actions are not permitted.
In response to public demands, Zamir reportedly ordered an increase in targeted assassinations in Gaza. Netanyahu reiterated on Monday that Israel would not allow threats to its communities and citizens' sense of security, warning Hamas that continued kite launches would lead to strikes against those responsible and evacuation of the population. Amidst these threats, local NGOs in Gaza, in coordination with Hamas, urged parents to prevent children from flying kites to protect them. Hamas official Basem Naim criticized Israel's threats over kites as paradoxical, given Israel's actions and ongoing conflict in Gaza.