Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem on Sunday rejected claims that the terrorist organization is responsible for kites being launched from Gaza toward Israel, dismissing the objects as children's toys.
“We warn of the seriousness of Israel’s claims and threats regarding the launching of kites, which are in fact children’s toys in the refugee camps, in what remains of the Gaza Strip’s territory, 70% of which is controlled by the Israeli military," Qassem said, as quoted by Channel 12 News.
“These threats are an attempt to justify the continuation of the aggression and violations," he further claimed.
Qassem's comments followed a warning from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz after a security assessment regarding drones, balloons and kites being launched from Gaza toward Israel.
"Israel is warning Hamas that if launches toward Israel are not stopped immediately, the IDF will act to intensify interdiction against those responsible for the launches and will move populations out of areas from which kites, drones, and balloons are set to be launched," they said.
Four kites were discovered between Friday and Saturday near Kibbutz Nahal Oz and Kibbutz Be’eri. Residents of communities along the Gaza border urged the defense establishment to investigate the incidents and avoid dismissing them.
No incendiary devices or explosives were reportedly found on the kites. However, residents pointed to the history of kite launches from Gaza, noting that earlier incidents initially involved apparently harmless kites before incendiary versions were used to start fires across the border area.
The latest discoveries follow several similar incidents in recent months. Another kite with Arabic writing was found near Nahal Oz during the past week, while a separate kite was discovered near Moshav Shuva the previous week. At least seven kites have been found in the Gaza border area since the October 7 attack.
Amid the renewed incidents, residents received a warning not issued since the wave of incendiary balloons in 2018-2019: "If you spot a kite, foreign balloon, or drone, do not approach or touch it."
The defense establishment believes the kites could potentially be adapted to carry explosives.
Security officials said the launches may also be connected to intelligence-gathering efforts ahead of a possible larger operation involving tethered drones.
"The kites, which are launched using an especially long string, are being used to gather intelligence ahead of a major operation involving tethered drones. We are tracking the kites and continuing our policy of thwarting threats. The message is that we will also reach those behind the launching of these kites."