Hamas is trying to stop the firing of paper kites and balloons from the Gaza Strip towards nearby Israeli towns in order to spare the sector a possible war and further Israeli pressure. However, according to various reports, the decision would be difficult to implement as it would be seen as a response to an Israeli demand and against the will of the demonstrators near the border.
Palestinian and Israeli reports confirmed news published by Asharq Al-Awsat about a Hamas decision to gradually stop the launching of kites. However, a group of Palestinians, who have been launching incendiary kites and balloons toward Israel, denied the reports saying that they did not receive any orders from any Palestinian side to stop their activities.
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said that amid pressure from Egypt and fear of an Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Hamas ordered its fighters on the ground to stop firing kites and balloons.
Israel gave Hamas few days to stop the incendiary kites. At the same time, maneuvers simulating the occupation of the Gaza Strip were launched and the Israeli siege was tightened, within plan to increase pressure on Hamas.
Channel 10 said that the Israeli political authorities had directed the military leadership to prepare for a large-scale military campaign in the Gaza Strip if the firing of incendiary balloons at the Israeli territory did not stop.
Reports said that Friday might be the deadline set by Israel for stopping the launching of balloons, or it would initiate a large-scale military campaign.
The channel added that Israel has sent many messages to Hamas, through the Egyptian intelligence, and Hamas responded also through the same apparatus.
The reports said that Hamas wanted in return the continued opening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as well as easing the humanitarian situation in the sector.
