Amnesty urges action after Katz threatens expulsions over Gaza kites

Amnesty International said Israeli statements likening kites flown in Gaza to military drones “further strips away any prospects for moments of joy for children” who have been "denied a childhood" by Israel’s ongoing genocide. The Israeli government has instructed its military to expel Palestinians from areas of the Gaza Strip where children are flying kites and releasing balloons, Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Thursday. According to the report, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz told army chief Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials that “the ultimatum we issued following the launching of balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip towards Negev communities [in southern Israel] has expired”. “Every launching of balloons and kites from Gaza towards southern communities will be met with a severe response,” Katz said during a meeting with the military’s top command. In a post on X, Amnesty said: “Third states must act and end Israel’s genocide. No more impunity for Israel’s disregard for international law.” The Israeli cabinet statement as captured in Israel Katz’s social media posts claiming to treat balloons and kites flown in the Gaza Strip as military drones further strips away any prospects for moments of joy for children in Gaza, who have been denied a childhood by Israel’s… pic.twitter.com/Tjfj1UeocY — Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) August 28, 2026