BICOM

A group called the Hamas “Kite builders unit” intends to launch 5,000 flying firebombs and explosives from Gaza into southern Israel today. Large protests are expected at the Gaza border for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday one day after Ramadan.

The group issued a statement yesterday saying: “We will continue with all of our strength until we achieved our goals. While the siege only increases and the aggression continues — the ‘March of Return’ activity will continue as well. We’ll go out to burn the settlers’ lands.”

The IDF fired a warning shot at a group of Palestinians near the Gaza border yesterday who were preparing to launch a flying firebomb toward Israel.

The IDF then struck “infrastructure” used to prepare the flying firebombs. “We view the use of incendiary balloons and kites very seriously and will continue to act to prevent their use,” the military said. Yesterday, firefighters dealt with sixteen fires caused by the firebombs.

Since 30 March Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have launched 650 firebombs into Israeli territory, causing 412 fires. An area of 6,250 acres has been damaged, 1,375 acres of wheat fields were destroyed and severe damage caused to irrigation and agricultural equipment, avocado plantations, water reservoirs and jojoba plantations.

The IDF is currently deploying drones to intercept kites and balloons carrying the firebombs. Israeli officials have deemed the drone programme a success, but it has not prevented all fires. In addition, firefighting teams will deploy today in the open areas in the Gaza perimeter and will try to spot the fires as soon as possible, so as to prevent them from spreading..