AMSTERDAM: Pro-Palestinian groups across the Netherlands are planning kite-flying events on September 5 to draw attention to the situation of children in Gaza and express solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.
The campaign, organised by the Plant an Olive Tree community and local solidarity groups, will see participants gather at several locations across the country. Organisers are calling on people to fly kites, distribute informational leaflets and raise public awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In Zandvoort, participants are scheduled to gather near the Juttersmuzeeum on the Strandweg from 1:30 p.m. Kite flying is planned from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the distribution of leaflets until around 3:30 p.m.
Organisers have asked participants to observe silence while flying their kites and to wear clothing or symbols associated with Palestine, including keffiyehs, T-shirts, flags and pins.
Similar activities are planned in Almere, Hilversum, Friesland, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Groningen, Nijmegen and Amersfoort, with additional locations expected to be announced.
The campaign follows reports that Israeli authorities had identified kites that crossed from Gaza as a potential security concern. According to the organisers, Israeli forces subsequently determined that the recovered kites did not contain explosives and had been flown by children.
The organisers say the campaign is intended to highlight what they describe as the severe restrictions and dangers faced by Palestinian children, while also drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The initiative is part of a broader international call for kite-flying demonstrations under the Kites4Palestine campaign. Supporters are also being encouraged to display kites from windows, flagpoles or other visible locations on September 5.
Organisers in Zandvoort have advised participants to bring a kite, water and sun protection. People without kites will also be able to participate, as organisers say additional kites will be available at the event.
The organisers have warned that weather conditions could affect the Zandvoort event and advised participants to check local organisers’ social media channels for updates.
