Israeli Peace Council Calls to Halt All Military Actions in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

The Israeli Peace Council announced on Tuesday that all military activities in Gaza must cease, including the launching of incendiary balloons from Gaza and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes against threats deemed not "real and immediate." The council stated it conveyed this message directly through existing channels and emphasized that Israel must also comply with the ceasefire.

This statement follows a report by Kan News revealing that Israel demanded the Peace Council address the balloon launches within three days to prevent a severe escalation in Gaza. A security source warned that the IDF would significantly increase airstrikes if the balloon attacks continue.

Israeli security officials suspect Hamas is behind the recent balloon launches, using them to gauge Israel's response. Consequently, the IDF has escalated its operations, recently targeting Hamas weapons depots rather than just individual militants, marking a shift from routine strikes aimed at immediate threats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if the attacks do not stop immediately, the IDF will intensify efforts to neutralize those responsible and evacuate civilians from areas used to launch balloons, drones, and kites. They stressed that Israel will not return to the pre-October 7 situation and will prevent Hamas or any other Gaza factions from threatening Israeli communities or undermining citizens' security.