Israel has given the Gaza Peace Council a three-day ultimatum to stop the launch of incendiary kites into Israeli territory, warning that failure to do so will lead to an escalation in IDF strikes across the Strip. Security establishment sources assess that the kite launches are directed by Hamas to gauge Israel's response, prompting a decision to intensify military action.
The 72-hour ultimatum issued by Israel to the Gaza Peace Council on Sunday to halt the launch of incendiary kites, balloons, and drones into Israeli territory remains in effect as of early Tuesday. The ultimatum came amid a series of escalated steps: on Sunday, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to target Hamas leaders responsible and evacuate areas from which launches originate, and the IDF formally confirmed that the kite launches are directed by Hamas. On Monday evening, the IDF carried out extensive airstrikes on Hamas weapons warehouses in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and central Gaza — targeting sites that had been slated for later phases of the Peace Council framework.
The security establishment's timeline unfolded as follows, as reported by The Zioneer: On Sunday, Aug 23, at 13:23 Jerusalem, Defense Minister Katz instructed the IDF to act with great force and warned that organizers and facilitators of launches would be dealt with severely. Following that, Israel gave the Peace Council's enforcement mechanism 72 hours to cease all launches. Later that day, the IDF confirmed that the incendiary kite and balloon launches are directed by Hamas, marking a shift in official assessment. On Monday, Aug 24, at 22:07 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported IDF strikes on weapons depots across the Strip, with approval from the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, and with advance notice to the Trump administration.
The escalation comes against the backdrop of prior warnings from the security establishment about Hamas rebuilding its military capabilities. As The Zioneer reported on Jun 28, senior IDF officers warned that Hamas was rearming for war, producing missiles and recruiting new fighters, while the US opposed a resumption of hostilities. The Peace Council framework had previously limited Israeli strikes; the new policy allows the IDF to target weapons buildup sites that were previously off-limits.
It remains unclear whether the Peace Council will be able to enforce compliance with the ultimatum given the ongoing launches continue. The potential collapse of the ceasefire framework remains a concern, as expressed by Peace Council officials. Additionally, the duration and scope of any further escalation hinge on the outcome of the 72-hour deadline.
7 developments
- StrongYoni Ben Menachem: Hamas spread false images of children with explosive kites to downplay threat
- DevelopingHamas rebuilding launch sites in Gaza, preparing for next round, source says
- DevelopingAnalysis: Israeli policy in Gaza becoming dangerous as targeted killings cease, no alternative proposed
- StrongIDF Strikes Hamas Weapons Warehouses Across Gaza in Escalation Over Kite Launches
Source and signal
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