IDF: Hamas using children to fly kites as psychological pressure

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that four kites were discovered near Gaza border communities over the past two days. According to initial assessments by the IDF Southern Command, these kites were launched by children and teenagers acting under the direction of Hamas commanders. The kites carried messages in Arabic, such as "We will never calm down," but contained no explosives or incendiary devices. Israeli security officials emphasized that the launches are intended as psychological harassment rather than a concrete military threat. However, residents of border communities, still reeling from the events of October 7, view the phenomenon with concern, noting that similar tactics in the past served as precursors to the use of incendiary materials. The IDF stated that it currently maintains operational control over approximately 63% to 64% of the Gaza Strip, allowing for extensive freedom of action. Over the past week, 13 militants were killed in targeted air and ground strikes. The military is also monitoring the possibility that Hamas might adopt fiber-optic drone tactics similar to those used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, though no evidence of such activity has been found in Gaza to date.