Katz orders military response to Gaza kites as 'Israeli' army says no threat posed

• Katz declares Gaza kites a military target
• Four kites trigger ‘Israeli’ mlitary response
• 'Israeli' military says kites pose no threat

'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed military forces to act "immediately and forcefully" against any kites launched from the besieged Gaza Strip, declaring that such objects will be treated as military targets and acts of war. 

In a statement released Sunday, Katz ordered the military to treat kites and balloons like they treat drones saying, “Anyone who organizes, launches, or enables the launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost severity”.

The order follows reports in 'Israeli' media that four kites, reportedly launched by Palesitnian teenagers, crossed the perimeter fence from Gaza over the weekend and landed near the settlement of Kibbutz Nahal Oz. 

Despite the aggressive directives issued by the minister, the 'Israeli' military acknowledged that no suspicious materials or explosives were attached to the kites, confirming they posed no danger to the public. 

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The symbolism of kites

Kites have historically been used by Palestinians in Gaza during border demonstrations as symbols of protest against the nearly 20-year air, land, and sea blockade imposed on the territory. 

During the 2018 "Great March of Return" demonstrations in Gaza, Palestinians routinely launched basic, hand-made kites and balloons across the fence as symbolic acts of protest. In response, the 'Israeli' military formally designated these items as active military threats.