Kathmandu— Israeli air strikes killed at least three Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, on Sunday amidst threats from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate attacks over the alleged launching of paper kites, drones, and balloons from the Gaza Strip. While Israeli officials claim these launches pose a security threat, experts suggest the government is fabricating a crisis around children’s toys to justify ongoing military actions, enforce demographic changes in Gaza, and bolster Netanyahu's political standing. The strikes targeted areas in central and southern Gaza, including a warehouse and a tent sheltering displaced people near a hospital, prompting widespread despair among residents.

Deadly Strikes Target Central and Southern Gaza

On Sunday, Israeli missiles struck a warehouse in az-Zawayda, completely destroying it, followed by attacks near Salah al-Din Street which resulted in the death of four-year-old Muhammad Abdel Salam Taha. Further drone strikes targeted southern Khan Younis and a tent sheltering displaced people at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, causing additional casualties. Abu Ahmed, a witness standing amidst the destruction in az-Zawayda, expressed deep frustration with the continued violence, stating, “There is no ceasefire; there is nothing. We want solutions; we want to live in peace.”

Claims of Explosive Devices Disputed

Despite issuing threats over ‘kites, drones, and balloons,’ the Israeli military acknowledged that recovered kites contained no explosives and were simply flown by children. Inspections confirmed only ten paper kites were found – all originating from children in displacement camps. Palestinian political analyst Hussam Shaheen told Al Jazeera that claims regarding drone launches are entirely fabricated, stating, “It is a false and baseless assertion; it is non-existent.” Adel Shadid, an expert on Israeli affairs, added that the threat is being manufactured by Hebrew media under the direction of the military establishment.

Analysts See Political Motivation Behind Escalation

Experts suggest the escalation coincides with Israel’s rejection of a US-backed ceasefire roadmap accepted by Hamas, linking the violence to upcoming elections. Hussam Shaheen noted that Palestinians are historically used as an electoral card, while Adel Shadid indicated Netanyahu’s chances of forming a government are dwindling. Analysts emphasize that inflating the threat of paper kites serves a strategic goal of reshaping demographic realities on the ground and instilling fear within Israeli society to rally support for disproportionate force. “Netanyahu does not need to invent a major issue out of the paper kites; rather, the primary goal is pushing the Palestinians towards displacement and dodging any political commitment,” Shaheen explained.

Absurdity of Claims Highlighted

Analysts have pointed to the absurdity of Israel framing children’s toys as a significant security threat. Hussam Shaheen questioned how a state possessing a nuclear arsenal could consider a paper kite flown by a Palestinian child a genuine danger, especially given that displaced Palestinians are flying these kites within camps surrounded by Israeli forces. “Seventy percent of the Strip is still under the control of the Israeli army, so how can one talk about paper kites penetrating all this space and posing a security threat?” he added.

The situation remains tense as Israel continues to threaten further escalation despite evidence contradicting claims of significant threats from Gaza. Experts warn that the focus on minor incidents serves to derail peace efforts and pursue broader political objectives.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.