On Saturday, participants across eleven locations in the Netherlands released kites as a public expression of support for children living in Gaza. The initiative was coordinated by the Plant an Olive Tree Foundation, a group that has previously organised symbolic actions aimed at raising awareness of the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Organisers described the kite‑flying as a peaceful means of drawing international attention to the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians, especially youngsters.
One of the gatherings took place at Noordereiland Square in Rotterdam, where a crowd of both children and adults assembled to launch their kites into the sky. The Rotterdam event was highlighted as a focal point of the day’s activities, with participants arranging themselves in a communal space that allowed for a visible display of the symbolic flight. While the specific list of all eleven cities was not disclosed, the coordinated nature of the events suggested a nationwide effort to convey a unified message.
The kites themselves were adorned with the colours of the Palestinian flag and featured a range of slogans, including the phrases “Free Palestine” and “Save Gaza.” Both youngsters and adults took part in decorating the fabric, turning each kite into a moving banner that combined national symbols with calls for humanitarian assistance. The visual impact of the colourful kites against the Dutch sky was intended to serve as a reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza and to encourage observers to consider the plight of its youngest residents.
Organisers linked the kite‑flying to recent reports of Israeli threats to displace Palestinians and to punitive actions taken after kites launched from Gaza landed in Israeli settlements near the border. By staging the event, the foundation aimed to protest what it described as retaliatory measures and to highlight the broader pattern of violence affecting civilians. The symbolic act was presented as a non‑violent response to the escalation of hostilities and a way to keep the conversation about Gaza’s children in the public eye.
The coordinated kite displays across the Netherlands concluded without incident, leaving behind a visual statement of solidarity. Observers noted the peaceful nature of the gatherings and the emphasis on humanitarian concerns rather than political confrontation. The Plant an Olive Tree Foundation indicated that the event would form part of ongoing efforts to maintain international focus on the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s children.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/kites-flown-across-11-dutch-cities-solidarity-gaza-children.