A Day of Action to End the War on Palestinians in Gaza
Flying a kite for peace on Saturday March 30th
By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES – The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is calling for a day of action on March 30 to demand a permanent cease-fire and humanitarian access for Gaza. In the United States they will be urging Congress to end all military funding to Israel and insist that Israel immediately begin to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.
Gaza has been under attack since Oct. 7 when Hamas forces unleashed their attack on Israeli communities leaving some 1,200 civilians and security forces dead. “Since then, over 31,341 Palestinians have been killed, 70% of them women and children. Another 10,000 are estimated to be buried under the rubble. Over 2 million people have been displaced from their homes, and over 70% of all homes and other structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed,” reports the AFSC.
The AFSC further notes that “now Israeli troops are attacking Rafah, which hosts over 1 million displaced Palestinians and serves as the center of all humanitarian aid. These attacks come as people are facing famine and running out of water. Hospitals have been bombed and desperately need supplies and staff. And humanitarian organizations, hampered by Israeli restrictions, can only provide a fraction of the aid required to meet massive needs.”
The Kite Protest
“Join us on Saturday, Mar. 30, in Washington DC or virtually from around the world, to fly kites for a cease-fire in Gaza. In DC, we’ll be flying kites at the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. If in the area, we hope you will join us in making, displaying, and flying kites to help amplify the call for a cease-fire in Gaza,” said the AFSC.
The organization says “you can find AFSC between 10am and 2pm in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History where you and your family can fly kites As you fly your kite, let it symbolize the interminable hope and resilience that the people of Gaza have demonstrated to us.”
“If you are not in DC, make a kite and post a photo on social media.” They request that you “tag AFSC on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok! Kites of all kinds are welcome, whether they are meant to fly or are part of an art installation.”