PALESTINIANS ACCUSED OF USING FALCON FOR ARSON

JERUSALEM Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have used kites, balloons and flaming condoms to try to start wildfires across the border in Israel — and now a bird, according to Israeli authorities.

A falcon, outfitted with a harness and wire with flammable material at the end, was found hanging dead in a tree near the Gaza border, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority said. This is the first time an animal has been used to ignite fires during weekly border protests that began in late March, according to the authority. More than 140 Palestinians, some unarmed, have been shot dead by Israeli troops in this time.