From education to housing protests, Palestine’s flag spreads across Europe

Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves have appeared at European protests over education, housing and living costs, linking local campaigns to wider arguments about colonialism, repression and inequality. Supporters say the symbols express solidarity with Palestinians and connect their struggles to other political causes, though their meaning and reception vary between countries.

In Belgium and France, student groups have brought the symbols to demonstrations calling for better-funded education, improved schools, smaller classes and more teachers. Italian MEP Mario Furore defended people’s right to display them, citing Palestinian deaths since 7 October 2023 and estimates approaching 80,000. In Albania, activist Fatos Lubonja said few protesters use the flag, partly because some associate the Palestinian cause with Islam and the country’s history under Ottoman rule; the article also notes that some violent protesters have displayed Palestinian symbols.