US-led Gaza peace board warns Hamas over kites after Israeli threat

The US-led board supervising a Gaza peace plan on Tuesday warned Hamas against flying kites, after Israel threatened retaliatory strikes. "All militant activity in Gaza must stop, including the flying of kites. We have conveyed this message directly through the established mechanism," an official on President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" said on condition of anonymity. "Israel, too, must comply with the ceasefire. Military action cannot extend beyond responding to genuine and imminent threats," the official said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned Hamas that Israel would step up operations in Gaza if it launches kites, drones or balloons. Read moreTrump's Board of Peace reassures Israel after objections on Gaza pullout plan The threat came after a series of kites reportedly were found across the Gaza border in southern Israel, communities traumatised by the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. The episode revived memories of incendiary kites and balloons once launched from Gaza. The latest kites are not known to have had any explosives, although Israeli media reported at least one with a political message. Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim voiced outrage ...