Israeli leaders warn Hamas: kite threat will trigger broader Gaza strikes

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz warned Hamas that kite incursions from Gaza into Israel will not be tolerated and that the IDF will escalate strikes across Gaza against those responsible if launches do not stop. The military says it is monitoring whether kite flights become a trend, with reports that 12- and 13-year-old youths are launching the kites under Hamas guidance; in the past week several kites crossed into Israel while 13 Hamas operatives were eliminated in Gaza. Residents criticized perceived delays in response, even as Israel emphasizes it will treat every launch as an act of war and may evacuate affected communities.