The United Nations, UN, has condemned Israel’s threat to expel Palestinians from parts of the Gaza Strip where children have been flying kites, describing the proposed measure as outrageous.
UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern over the threat while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, describing Israel’s proposed expulsion of Gaza residents over children flying kites as “outrageous.”
“On the threat of expulsion due to children’s kite flying, I hope we can all agree that this is outrageous,” Shamdasani said.
The United Nations reaction followed an Israeli warning issued on Sunday to Hamas over the continued launching of kites, drones and balloons toward Israeli territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Israeli forces would intensify targeted operations against those responsible if the launches continued.
The Israeli leaders also said residents could be evacuated from areas identified as locations from which kites, drones and balloons were being launched.
Also Read: Netanyahu risks Trump’s anger for rejecting Gaza plan
The United Nations has raised concerns over the potential impact of such measures on civilians living in Gaza, particularly children who have limited opportunities for recreation amid the continuing crisis.
Several kites without incendiary devices have reportedly drifted into communities in southern Israel over the past month. The incidents have revived memories of 2018, when incendiary kites and balloons were launched from Gaza during protests against Israel’s blockade.
The position comes as Gaza’s popular committees, coordinating with Hamas authorities, urged parents to prevent children from flying kites to protect them from possible Israeli military action.
A mother in Gaza City, identified as Umm Mohammed, said kite-flying had been a common summer activity for children in her neighborhood but that she would no longer allow her son to participate because of the security threat.
Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim rejected Israel’s warning, arguing that children’s recreational activities should not be treated as military operations.
The UN has continued to emphasize the need to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian and human rights law amid the conflict.
The dispute comes amid renewed concerns over the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, which has failed to completely halt Israeli attacks in the territory.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 1,280 Palestinians have been killed since the agreement took effect in October.
The latest development has further raised concerns over the safety of civilians in Gaza, with the United Nations warning against rhetoric and actions that could further endanger the population.
The United Nations has therefore joined growing international concern over the potential consequences of forcing residents to leave areas because of kite-flying incidents.
The UN maintains that civilian protection remains essential as tensions continue between Israel and Palestinian armed groups.
Al Jazeera
