Gaza kite launches raise fears of renewed attacks along Israeli border

Authorities are investigating whether they were used for intelligence collection ahead of possible future operations.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

At least four kites launched from the Gaza Strip crossed into Israel over the past 24 hours, prompting security officials to investigate whether Hamas was gathering intelligence or testing methods for future attacks, N12 reported Saturday.

The kites crossed the border fence and landed in communities in the Gaza border region.

Israeli security officials believe Hamas, which remains in control of the Gaza Strip, was directly responsible for the launches.

Residents in one community were warned to remain alert and avoid approaching or touching suspicious objects because explosives or incendiary materials could potentially be attached to the kites.

Security officials are examining particularly long strings found attached to the kites.

Authorities are investigating whether they were used for intelligence collection ahead of possible future operations or as part of testing related to the potential use of fiber-optic drones, which have been used in recent months on the northern front with Lebanon.

Israel had not responded militarily to the launches as of Saturday evening, drawing criticism from residents and local officials who said the government should not allow the practice to become established.

“This is exactly how escalation begins again — we must not ignore it and contain it again,” residents warned, expressing concern about a return to the approach that preceded Oct. 7.

The head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council called on the government and IDF to respond immediately and forcefully.

“If we want to put an end to the phenomenon when it is just beginning, we must cut it off at the initial stage and strike with force over every kite,” he said.

Separately, IDF operations continued inside the Gaza Strip. A Hamas company commander was killed following precise intelligence shortly before the developments along the border.

The Hamas commander had worked to advance attacks against Israeli troops and was involved in attempts to rebuild the terrorist organization’s underground infrastructure and tunnel network.