Palestinian residents of Burin, a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, held their annual kite festival on a hillside overlooking an Israeli settlement, using the event to assert their connection to the land and express defiance against encroaching settlements.
The festival, held every summer since 2009, is a tradition for residents who claim land for the event has been confiscated by settlers. Organizers stated the aim is to send a message to settlers, asserting ownership of both the land and the sky above it. Ghassan Najjar, a festival organizer, explained that while the event is primarily for children, it carries a significant political message reflecting the ongoing challenges of settler attacks and settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories.
The United Nations reported an escalation in settler violence in the West Bank following the October 2023 conflict in Gaza. This surge in activity occurs against a backdrop of calls from some Israeli ministers for the annexation of parts of the territory. Previous reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) dating back to 2008 documented settler attacks in the Burin area, including shootings and the destruction of olive trees.
Despite the underlying tensions, the hillside event featured a celebratory atmosphere with face painting, music, and families enjoying picnics. Kites adorned with the Palestinian national colours soared alongside others, including one representing Egypt. Organizers emphasized the children's right to a normal and positive life, even within the challenging context of the region.
However, the celebration was tempered by security concerns. Villagers reportedly checked for the presence of settlers before gathering, and some residents expressed fear, with one incident last year forcing the cancellation of the festival due to settler attacks. Participants noted that the duration of the gathering was limited, a reflection of the prevailing insecurity and economic hardship.
As the wind subsided and kites descended, the villagers expressed their resolve to return the following summer. For many, like resident Qusai Walid Eid, attending the festival is a yearly reaffirmation of their connection to the land, aiming to solidify "our roots in this land."
