Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that a decision was made to impose a new open-ended ban on the entry of fuel and natural gas into the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The decision to impose the ban was made by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, in response to the ongoing arson attacks by Gazan Palestinians using incendiary kites and balloons. The ongoing use of incendiary kites and balloons has burned through thousands of acres, including agricultural fields and wild forests. According to Minister Lieberman, the limited Israeli military response to the use of incendiary kites and balloons comes primarily due to the fact that “Hamas clearly instructed that the balloons and kites be flown out of populated homes, mainly by children.” That is why, the Israeli top defense official stressed, Israel acts accordingly and seeks creative ways to force the Gazan population to halt its terror related activities.
