Israel threatens intensified Gaza strikes over balloon and drone launches

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday threatened to launch intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, issuing evacuation orders for several areas if the launch of balloons, drones, and kites from the enclave does not stop immediately, according to its statement.

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025 that ended major hostilities in Gaza, Israeli attacks on the territory have continued.

Two Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday killed at least two people, including a four-year-old child, and wounded seven others.

Residents said one of the strikes targeted a building in the central town of Al-Zawaida after the Israeli military warned property owners to leave the area.

Medics reported that debris and shrapnel injured at least six people, including four-year-old Mohammed Abdul Salam Taha, who later died in hospital.

Abu Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian who was near the targeted building, said there was no real ceasefire in effect.

Since the ceasefire took effect, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 1,280 Palestinians in Gaza.

Gaza disarmament plan

Earlier this month, Jared Kushner, envoy to US President Donald Trump, said the process of handing over some Hamas weapons in Gaza could begin within 30 days, with progress on sealing some tunnels possible within 60 to 90 days, stressing the need for cooperation between Hamas and Israel.

Kushner told Fox News that his meeting with Netanyahu and his team lasted about four hours and discussed details of the Peace Council's plan for Gaza and Israeli concerns.

He explained that Netanyahu's previous position on the roadmap was based on his initial understanding of the plan and did not confirm full approval, but described the meeting as very positive, with some Israeli reservations addressed.

The US roadmap included provisions for Hamas to gradually relinquish its weapons in parallel with an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a halt to operations. However, Netanyahu rejected this sequence, demanding Hamas disarm completely before any Israeli withdrawal.