Kathmandu— The United Nations strongly condemned a threat by Israel to expel Palestinians from areas of the Gaza Strip due to kite-flying activities, calling the potential forced evacuations “outrageous.” The warning came after several non-incendiary kites drifted into southern Israeli communities, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz to announce possible intensified military operations and population evacuation if the launches continued. While Hamas authorities have urged parents to prevent children from flying kites in an effort to protect them, the UN’s rebuke highlights growing concerns over escalating tensions amidst a fragile ceasefire.

Israeli Warning and Hamas Response

Israel warned Hamas on Sunday that it would intensify military operations if kites, drones or balloons continued to be launched towards Israeli territory, stating those responsible would be targeted. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz issued a joint statement saying Israel “will take action to intensify targeted operations against those responsible” and “will evacuate the population from areas from which kites, drones and balloons are launched.” Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, rejected the Israeli warning, questioning whether attempts at appeasement had led to describing children's activities as armed actions while Netanyahu continues military operations.

Gaza Residents React

Following the Israeli warning, Gaza’s popular committees, coordinating with Hamas authorities, urged parents on Monday to stop their children from flying kites, citing a desire “to protect their innocent lives.” Umm Mohammed, a mother in Gaza City, explained that her son Ahmed and other children typically fly kites for entertainment during the summer months. However, she stated she would no longer allow him to do so.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

The dispute over kite-flying occurs against the backdrop of a “ceasefire” agreement which has not prevented ongoing Israeli attacks. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 1,280 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect in October. The current situation evokes memories of 2018 when incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza were used as a form of protest against the Israeli blockade of the enclave.

The UN’s condemnation underscores the escalating tensions in the region, despite the existing ceasefire agreement, and raises concerns about the potential for further conflict.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.