290 red balloons were placed in front of European institutions on Monday morning to urge political leaders to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Each balloon, released in front of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, represented a day of violence and conflict in Gaza. The initiative urges EU leaders to show "decisive leadership", to implement measures to secure an immediate and definitive cease-fire and secure the release of all remaining hostages. It is supported by NGOs such as Handicap International Belgium, Save the Children Europe, ActionAid International and Plan International.
290 days of conflict, 290 #redballoons—each one a poignant reminder of countless lives lost in Gaza. #EUCouncil, the time to act is now. We cannot wait any longer. #CeaseFireNOW @HI_federation @HI_belgium@SaveChildrenEU@PlanEU@ActionAidEU pic.twitter.com/2CF0eYKUUb
— HI_Advocacy (@HI_Advocacy) July 22, 2024
The activists adorned the balloons with testimonials and casualty figures, expressing dissatisfaction with the EU’s efforts to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian disaster. Over the past 290 days, the conflict has claimed more than 38,700 victims in the Palestinian enclave, including more than 14,000 children, and displaced nearly 1.9 million individuals, according to Handicap International Belgium.
“There are relentless reports of ongoing bombings and shellings in Gaza. Israeli forces target hospitals, schools, and refugee camps, even those designated as ‘safe zones’,” stated Antoine Sépulchre, the General Director of Handicap International Belgium.
“A staggering 14,100 out of 1.1 million children in Gaza have died, leaving an additional 10,000 orphaned. It is estimated that at least 20,000 children are missing, detained, buried beneath rubble, or in mass graves,” added Willy Bergogné, Director of Save the Children Europe.
The NGOs are urgently calling for EU intervention to bring about a cease-fire in the region. The long-standing political passivity has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, according to the participating organisations, who say immediate and effective intervention is necessary.
