Human Rights Voices
While the UN devotes its human rights operations to the demonization of the democratic state of Israel above all others and condemns the United States more often than the vast majority of non-democracies around the world, the voices of real victims around the world must be heard.
U.N. Obsession with Condemning
Israel Instead
Israeli soldiers walk near a fire in a wheat field along the border with the Gaza Strip
Palestinian Authority/Gaza, July 31, 2018
Palestinian Arson Balloons Cause 19 Fires in Israel Tuesday
Original source
Firefighters in Israel were battling new fires said to be sparked by incendiary balloons launched from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
The fire department for Israel's south said 19 fires broke out during the course of the day, attributing all to incendiary devices launched by Palestinians from the Hamas-run enclave. A helicopter was also used to battle the blazes for the first time.
The phenomenon of kites, balloons and even inflated condoms carrying flammable liquids or explosives began during the months-long 'Great March of Return' protests in Gaza.
Authorities say they have set ablaze more than 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) on Israeli territory and local anger has piled pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition to thwart the tactic.
The military has deployed mini-drones which intercept and down some of the devices before they can land in Israeli territory.
"Today we went back to square one. We thought that the terror of the [arson] balloons had finished, that it was behind us," said the head security officer of the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council in a video sent to journalists.
"We can't wake up every morning and see that the fires are still here," he added, "the time has arrived for the State of Israel to put a stop to it."
Two weeks ago, after two fierce bouts of fighting between Israel and militants in the enclave, an Israeli official told local journalists that Hamas had agreed to put an end the practice.
While the promise has not come to pass, there have been no rocket attacks or retaliatory Israeli air strikes in recent days.
The United Nations and Egypt are both mediating between Israel and Hamas, with Washington's assistance, to reach understandings and put in place some measures to ease Gaza's dire humanitarian situation.
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