Israeli F-16 fighter jets flew low over the border regions of the Gaza Strip on Monday, releasing dozens of balloons, a top Palestinian security official said, describing it as a "dangerous escalation,” reported AFP.
The Palestinian news agency (WAFA) also reported the “mock raids,” adding that the overflights caused a wave of panic among the residents of Gaza, who feared an imminent attack similar to the one last month.
WAFA said the aircraft overflew Muntar, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanoun in the strip, in addition to Gaza city.
According to AFP, an Israeli military spokeswoman said no such incident had taken place.
"Israeli warplanes carried out mock raids, releasing around 50 balloons over the borders of the Gaza Strip near Muntar (in the northeast), Beit Hanun (in the north) and Khan Yunis (in the south)," Colonel Saeb al-Ajez, commander of Palestinian forces in the northern Gaza Strip, told AFP.
Israeli planes frequently overfly Palestinian areas, but it was the first time they were said to have released such balloons, the purpose of which was not clear.
"This warlike act is part of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and a dangerous escalation," Ajez said, accusing the Jewish state of preparing for "new battles in the region."
Gaza residents said the planes emitted sounds like an explosion when they released the balloons, which could be seen floating overhead.
Israel used F-16 fighter jets in raids on the West Bank last month that killed 12 Palestinians – Albawaba.com
