World · Malaysia Bureau
UN condemns Israel threat to expel Gazans over kite incidents
The United Nations has criticized Israel's warning that it will intensify military operations in Gaza if Palestinian groups continue launching kites, drones and balloons across the border. Israel said Sunday it would escalate its response to such incidents.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Israeli military's threat to step up operations in Gaza has drawn sharp rebuke from United Nations officials, who described the warning as disproportionate and concerning.
Israel cautioned on Sunday that it would expand its military activities if launches of kites, drones and balloons towards Israeli territory persisted. The warning came amid ongoing tensions along the Gaza-Israel border, where such incidents have become recurring flashpoints.
UN representatives characterised the threat as "outrageous," citing concerns about the potential impact on Gaza's civilian population. The statement underscores the contentious nature of cross-border incidents and the international community's scrutiny of Israeli responses.
The use of kites and balloons as protest tools has been a notable feature of Palestinian demonstrations, particularly during periods of heightened tensions. The incidents have prompted security responses from Israel, which views them as potential threats.
The exchange reflects broader difficulties in managing the volatile Gaza-Israel relationship, with international bodies calling for restraint and proportional responses to border incidents.