JERUSALEM, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday ordered the military to take "forceful action" against kites launched from Gaza, after several were sent toward southern Israel in recent days.

Katz said in a statement that the military should target the people who launch the kites as well as Hamas officials responsible for the launches.

"We regard every launch as an act of war," Katz said.

The order came after several kites crossed from Gaza into Israel in recent days, causing no injuries or damage.

It comes as Israel continues airstrikes and as the United States and countries in the region seek to advance a plan for Hamas' disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal.

In 2018, Israeli army aircraft fired at Palestinians who launched arson balloons after arson kites and balloons were released from the strip and caused fires in southern Israel.