UN Condemns Israel’s Threat To Expel Gazans Over Kite-Flying As “Outrageous”

The United Nations on Tuesday criticised Israel over threats to expel Palestinians from parts of Gaza where kites, drones and balloons are launched towards Israel, describing the rhetoric as unacceptable. The comments came after Israel warned Hamas that it could intensify military operations if such launches continued. UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the threat of expulsion linked to children's kite-flying was particularly concerning. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, she called the rhetoric “outrageous” and said the issue raised serious concerns over the potential impact on civilians in Gaza.

Israel had warned Hamas on Sunday that it would step up operations in Gaza following a recent increase in the launching of kites, drones and balloons towards Israeli territory. Hamas has denied responsibility for the incidents, which have added another point of tension along the Gaza-Israel border. According to Israeli media reports, four kites were found in communities near the Gaza border on Saturday, while the Israeli military said it had intercepted or shot down another on Sunday. The reports said around 10 such objects had been recovered in the area in recent days.

The latest incidents have revived memories of a wave of incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza during earlier periods of conflict. Those devices were used to start fires in agricultural areas in southern Israel, causing damage to farmland and prompting Israeli authorities to respond with security measures and military action. The current dispute involves not only kites but also drones and balloons, with Israel linking the launches to Hamas and warning of a stronger military response. Hamas, however, has rejected responsibility, leaving the circumstances surrounding the latest launches contested.

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The UN criticism comes against the backdrop of continuing concern over the treatment and protection of civilians in Gaza. Shamdasani's remarks focused particularly on the prospect of expelling residents from areas where the launches occur, stressing that civilians should not be collectively punished or displaced because of actions attributed to armed groups. The threat has also raised concerns because kite-flying is a common recreational activity for children. The UN's reference to children underlines the difficulty of distinguishing between ordinary civilian activities and objects allegedly used for military or hostile purposes, particularly in densely populated areas. The renewed incidents could further increase tensions along the Gaza border if launches continue and Israel carries out its warning of expanded operations.

Any escalation would add to the risks faced by civilians in the territory, where military activity has already caused widespread humanitarian concerns. For now, Israel has not indicated the full scope or timing of any expanded operation, while Hamas continues to deny involvement in the launches. The UN's criticism reflects its broader concern that threats affecting civilian populations should not result in mass displacement or collective measures against residents. The latest confrontation therefore combines a relatively small number of aerial incidents with a much broader dispute over military response and civilian protection. As Israel and Hamas exchange accusations, the UN has urged restraint and raised particular concern over rhetoric suggesting the expulsion of residents from areas associated with the launches.

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