SAFA — Colorful kites, traditionally associated with childhood and play, became symbols of solidarity with Gaza over the weekend as activists in the Netherlands and Britain flew them in support of Palestinian children.

Events were held Saturday across 11 Dutch cities and at London’s Regent’s Park, amid controversy over recent Israeli threats concerning kites launched by children from Gaza.

In the Netherlands, the events were organized by the Plant an Olive Tree Foundation to draw attention to Israeli attacks on Gaza and protest threats of further attacks and displacement linked to kites crossing from Gaza.

In Rotterdam, children and adults gathered at Noordereiland Square, flying kites decorated with Palestinian flags and messages including “Free Palestine” and “Save Gaza.” Organizers also distributed leaflets about conditions facing Palestinians in Gaza.

On the same day in London, activists gathered in Regent’s Park for a “Kites for Palestine” event, where children and supporters decorated and launched kites carrying messages of solidarity with Palestinians.

Palestinian children from Gaza who are currently receiving medical treatment in Britain after being injured during the war also took part.

Organizers said they chose kites as a symbol of childhood, freedom and the right of Palestinian children to play and live without fear.

The events followed threats from Israeli War Minister Israel Katz over kites launched from Gaza. Katz instructed the Israeli military to act “immediately and forcefully” against launches and said Israel would regard every such launch as an “act of war,” equating kites with drones regardless of whether they carried explosives.

The Israeli military, however, acknowledged that four kites recovered near Nahal Oz contained nothing suspicious and posed no danger to the public.

The contrast became central to the solidarity events: while Israel has increasingly framed kites from Gaza as a security threat, demonstrators across Europe used the same symbol to highlight the experiences of Palestinian children and affirm their right to childhood, safety and freedom.

Adnan Hmidan, head of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, said the London gathering was held “in support and solidarity with every Palestinian child who wants to live in freedom.”

From Rotterdam to London, the demonstrations transformed the kite from an object caught in Israel’s security narrative into a symbol of solidarity with Gaza’s children and their right to play without fear of war.