The United Nations has strongly condemned Israel’s threat to forcibly evacuate Palestinians from communities in the Gaza Strip in response to children flying kites. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, described the threat as "outrageous" during a press briefing on Tuesday.

This condemnation comes after Israel warned Hamas on Sunday that it would escalate military operations if kites, drones, or balloons continued to be launched towards Israel. The Israeli statement indicated that those responsible would be targeted and that the "population from areas from which kites, drones and balloons are launched" would be evacuated.

Over the past month, several kites, not carrying incendiary devices, have reportedly drifted into southern Israeli communities. These incidents have drawn parallels to the incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza in 2018, which Palestinians stated were a form of protest against the Israeli blockade of the enclave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement asserting that "Israel warns Hamas that if the launches toward Israel do not cease immediately," Israeli forces "will take action to intensify targeted operations against those responsible." They added that the population would be evacuated from the launch areas.

In response to the Israeli threat, Gaza's popular committees, working with Hamas authorities, have urged parents to prevent children from flying kites, citing the need "to protect their innocent lives." Umm Mohammed, a mother from Gaza City, expressed her concern to Reuters, stating she would no longer allow her son to fly kites due to the escalating situation.

Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, rejected the Israeli warning, questioning the framing of children's activities as armed actions. He highlighted the ongoing conflict and destruction in Gaza, stating, "Is it conceivable that attempts to appease the war criminal Netanyahu have led them to describe innocent children’s activities as armed activities, while Netanyahu continues to kill and destroy daily despite the agreement?"

The dispute occurs amidst a fragile "ceasefire" in Gaza, which has reportedly failed to stop Israeli attacks. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, over 1,280 Palestinians have been killed since the agreement took effect in October.

The UN's strong denouncement underscores the international community's concern over potential collective punishment and the impact of such threats on civilian populations, particularly children, in the ongoing conflict.