6,000 Gaza children fly kites, break record
Posted: July 31, 2009 at 5:37 a.m.
BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip — Thousands of children in the Gaza Strip attempted to set a world record Thursday by flying colorful homemade kites amid the ruins of Israel's bruising offensive earlier this year - a rare display of joy in the isolated seaside territory ruled by Hamas militants.
The event, sponsored by the United Nations, brought some 6,000 campers in orange uniforms and blue caps to a beach in Gaza's war-torn north, where they released their kites into clear skies. Some included designs such as the red, green, black and white Palestinian flag.
"We are happy we came here, full of joy, full of life," said 11-year-old Marwan Mohammad. "We hope that we can be free and can enjoy the same freedom these kites enjoy in the air. All we are looking for is to grow up like normal children."
Marwan said his neighborhood in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, was bombarded in Israel's January offensive against Palestinian rocket launchers. He said many of his friends' relatives were killed in the attacks.
Since the three-week-long war, the militants have mostly stopped firing rockets at Israeli communities across the border. Israel, in turn, has scaled back itsmilitary activities in the area significantly. The lull has allowed daily life to resume, though an economic blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt has prevented Gaza from rebuilding.
John Ging, the head of the U.N. agency that deals with Palestinian refugees, said the fact that the event was taking place in Gaza held special significance.
"It is an expression of the demand for liberty by these children," he said.
"Look at what the children of Gaza can do if they are given a chance."
Front Section, Pages 6 on 07/31/2009
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