Israel tightens Gaza blockade as Palestinians launch arson kites and a firebombing falcon
The primitive aerial attacks have succeeded in infuriating Israel, which says they have scorched 2,600 hectares of land
Israel tightened its blockade of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday partly over kites carrying firebombs to burn Israeli farmland as concerns mounted over whether the rudimentary devices could spark another war.
And at least one arson attack allegedly involved a falcon harnessed to flammable material. The bird was found dead in a tree near the Gaza border, still attached to its harness and near a fire, Israeli authorities reported on Monday.
Days after the heaviest exchange of fire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 conflict, Israel said it was blocking until Sunday fuel and gas deliveries through its only goods crossing with the enclave.
The fishing zone enforced by Israel off the Gaza Strip was also reduced from six nautical miles to three.
The goods crossing, known as Kerem Shalom, will remain open for food and medicine on a case-by-case basis.
It had already been closed to most deliveries since July 9, partly in response to the firebombs.
