Hamas has accused Israel of using kites flown by Palestinian children in Gaza as a pretext to justify a new escalation of military operations across the territory.
The accusation followed a three-day deadline issued by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that Hamas halt all kite flights from Gaza or face broad airstrikes.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement published on the group's website that Israeli threats endanger children and aim to create conditions for new attacks.
Ceasefire appeal to mediators
Qassem said Israeli actions are an attempt to undermine the ceasefire, adding that the Palestinian side remains fully committed to the truce agreement.
Hamas called on the United States, mediator countries guaranteeing the ceasefire, and the UN Security Council to exert pressure on Israel to stop its military escalation in Gaza.
The United States and regional partners have frequently acted as mediators between Israel and Palestinian groups, while the UN Security Council oversees international peace and security.
Israeli warnings over border kites
Israeli officials issued the three-day ultimatum after several kites landed near Nahal Oz, an Israeli settlement located next to the Gaza Strip.
Israel warned it would launch large-scale airstrikes and carry out forced evacuations of residents from areas where the kites are launched.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the kite launches as an act of war, claiming they can be treated as a threat equivalent to drones.
Katz said a balloon is like a kite and a kite is like a drone, whether it carries explosives or not.
The defense minister also warned that Israeli forces will target Hamas commanders whom he considers responsible for the kite launches.
Context of the border dispute
The Gaza Strip is a coastal Palestinian territory bordering Israel and Egypt. Benjamin Netanyahu leads the Israeli government as prime minister, with Israel Katz heading the defense ministry.
Nahal Oz is a kibbutz settlement in southern Israel situated directly along the perimeter fence that separates Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip.
Border areas between Israel and Gaza have experienced frequent security tensions, with Israeli defense authorities viewing airborne devices originating from Gaza as potential military threats.
