Gaza: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Sunday to carry out assassinations and evacuate residential neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip over the launch of balloons and kites toward Israeli settlements near the enclave. In recent days, Israeli media alleged that several kites launched from Gaza had landed near settlements adjacent to the enclave, noting that they were not carrying explosives.

According to Anadolu Agency, Katz stated that he had instructed the Israeli army to "act forcefully" against the launch of balloons, kites, and drones from Gaza and take measures to prevent them. These measures would include targeting Hamas leaders responsible for the launches, operatives themselves, and evacuating neighborhoods and areas from which the launches are carried out.

Katz emphasized that every launch is considered "a military action in every respect," and he threatened to pursue anyone who "organizes, carries out or permits the launches." He equated a balloon to a kite and a kite to a drone, regardless of whether they carry explosives.

The Israeli army has reported significant casualties, with over 73,000 Palestinians killed and more than 174,000 others injured in ongoing hostilities since October 2023.