The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, has issued a formal warning to Hamas regarding the continued launching of paper kites and balloons from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. Israeli officials have declared a three-day deadline for these activities to cease, stating that if the launches persist, Israel will initiate a broad air assault and potentially evacuate areas of Gaza from which the devices originate. Israeli security officials have indicated that these kites are now being treated with the same level of concern as drones.

Reports from Israeli media note that while several kites have landed near Israeli settlements adjacent to the Gaza border, they were not found to be carrying explosives. Despite this, the Israeli government maintains that the security threat warrants a significant military response.

Hamas has publicly rejected the ultimatum. Hazem Qassem, a spokesperson for the group, issued a statement describing the Israeli threat as a pretext to justify intensified military action against the territory. Hamas officials have framed the Israeli policy as an act of intimidation directed at children who fly the kites, rather than a legitimate security measure. The two sides remain at an impasse, with Israel demanding a total cessation of the launches and Hamas accusing the Israeli government of fabricating a justification for further military escalation.