Gaza aid groups tell parents to halt kite flying after Israeli threat

A coalition of Gaza-based NGOs and charities, known as the popular committees, released a notice asking parents to prevent children from flying kites, after Israel threatened a forceful retaliation if Hamas resumes the tactic. The appeal was coordinated with Hamas authorities, according to a source within the militant group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that anyone responsible for sending kites, balloons or drones toward Israel would become an assassination target and that launch areas could be ordered to evacuate.

Israeli defence officials allege Hamas is encouraging the kite flights to provoke attacks, while a Hamas spokesperson accused Israel of fabricating pretexts to extend the war. A Gaza mother, Umm Mohammed, said she will no longer allow her 10-year-old son Ahmed to fly kites. The warning recalls 2018 incidents when incendiary kites and balloons caused fires over hundreds of acres of Israeli farmland.