Despite warnings of severe cold in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba province in west-central Canada, several families showed their support for the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, by flying kites in Saint Vital Park yesterday, Sunday, on the occasion of 100 days since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

A kite flying day was also organized in 18 other countries around the world in support of the inhabitants of the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

Pascal Novicki, one of the officials of the "Family Actions 4 Palestine" association that organized the event in Winnipeg, explained that the association wanted to organize an activity directed at families and children.

The mission of the association is to create a safe and enjoyable space where young people can express their support for the Palestinian people.

It is important because we need spaces where families feel comfortable with their children participating in this movement.

Novicki says she was moved to see the families who participated in this event despite the harsh weather. "It is very cold outside, but we have warm hearts here today."

After decorating their kites, the families headed to a field to fly them. Although the wind was light, many kites were able to fly.

Tariq Abdul Aziz, one of the event participants, says it is "difficult" to explain the Middle East issue to his two children.

The Palestinian father wanted to participate in this family event so that the participating children would understand the reality experienced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

"These challenges relate to basic human rights, not religion," says Abdul Aziz, "It is not very complicated. From this basic perspective, a five-year-old child can understand what is happening."

Abdul Aziz adds that this type of activity can help combat "the dehumanization of Palestinians."

According to participant Mia Shurbyon, "It is a way to highlight the issue and inform children that helping people who suffer, and who are far from us," remains possible while we enjoy a productive way.

Shurbyon, a resident of Winnipeg, explains that "it is a global event and we are playing our part, so it is beautiful."

It is noted that the current war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement controlling the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023, with an attack launched by the Islamist movement on southern Israel that resulted in the killing of about 1,140 people, most of whom were civilians. The attackers abducted about 250 others whom they took as hostages to the Gaza Strip; 105 of them were released in a prisoner exchange operation between Israel and Hamas in late November. These numbers are based on official Israeli data.

In response to the October 7 attack, Israel promised to "eliminate" Hamas, besieged the Gaza Strip entirely, bombed it heavily with unprecedented intensity, and launched a ground military operation there on October 27, which has so far caused the deaths of 24,100 people, the majority of whom are women, children, and persons under 18, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas government, besides about 60,000 injured.

The approximately 2.4 million residents of the Palestinian Gaza Strip, of whom about 1.9 million were forced to flee their homes, still face a catastrophic humanitarian situation, according to the United Nations.

And in the West Bank, more than 345 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 7, according to Palestinian authorities.