Gaza, Aug. 24 -- Kites flown by children in Gaza have become the latest flashpoint in the conflict, with Israel threatening intensified military action over kites, balloons and drones launched towards its territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Sunday that Israel would step up targeted strikes against those responsible if the launches continued. They also threatened to evacuate areas in Gaza identified as launch sites.

The Israeli military said four kites found near Nahal Oz over the weekend contained no suspicious material and posed no danger to the public.

For children in Gaza, however, flying a kite offers a brief escape from years of war, displacement and destruction.

A child...