The United Nations has condemned an Israeli threat to expel Palestinians from parts of Gaza where kites are being flown by children.
UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani described the threat as “outrageous”, amid growing concerns over the treatment of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel had warned Hamas that it would intensify military operations if kites, drones or balloons continued to be launched towards Israeli communities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would target those responsible and evacuate residents from areas where the launches take place.
However, reports indicate that several of the kites that recently reached southern Israeli communities were not carrying incendiary devices.
For many children in Gaza, kite flying is a normal summer activity. Parents have now been urged to stop children from flying kites because of concerns over possible Israeli military action.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s warning, arguing that ordinary children’s activities should not be treated as military operations.
The dispute comes amid an already fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where violence has continued despite the agreement.
The United Nations’ response has now placed renewed attention on the protection of civilians, particularly children, as tensions continue in the besieged territory.
The situation also highlights how ordinary activities in Gaza have become entangled in the wider security and political conflict, leaving civilians once again caught between competing claims and military threats.
By Viewers Corner News