In a breathtaking display of color, joy, and unity, thousands of Palestinian children filled the skies over the beaches of the Gaza Strip to shatter a world record — for the most kites flown simultaneously from the same location.
Organized by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the event saw approximately 6,000 children come together with a single purpose: to break the previous world record of 713 simultaneous kite flights.
The beach transformed into a canvas of soaring color, with kites in every shade representing peace, freedom, and the hopes of Gaza’s younger generation. The sight of thousands of kites fluttering in unison captured hearts around the globe and symbolized a moment of shared joy in a region too often marred by hardship.
“This is more than just a record,” said an emotional Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza. “It’s a statement. It’s hope. It’s resilience. Today, these children flew more than just kites — they flew their dreams.”
Children aged 5 to 15 participated in the event, many of whom had spent the previous week crafting their kites in schools and community centers across Gaza. Each kite was marked with messages of peace, unity, or artistic expressions of the children’s lives and aspirations.
The record-breaking attempt was part of UNRWA’s Summer Fun Weeks — an annual program designed to provide recreational and psychological support to children living in the Gaza Strip. The agency emphasized that such events are vital for children affected by years of conflict and economic hardship.
The Guinness World Records organization confirmed the feat shortly after the event, declaring it a new world record.
Images and videos of the sky peppered with thousands of colorful kites quickly spread on social media, with many users praising the event as “a symbol of innocence, peace, and determination.” The hashtag #KitesOfGaza trended worldwide.
In a place where children have too few chances to simply be children, the beach became a field of dreams, and Gaza’s skies told a different story — one of hope, unity, and soaring resilience.
