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

Symbols such as the flag and keffiyeh represent anti-colonial struggles but some question their use amid mass demonstrations. The Palestinian flag and traditional keffiyeh scarf have been regular appearances at recent demonstrations across Europe over housing, education and the cost of living. Palestinian symbols were also displayed in Northern Ireland, where a decades-old standoff risked reigniting historic grievances.

Kenny Pierre Agboton, from the Free University of Brussels for Palestine platform, says the use of the Palestinian flag in demonstrations is a nod to anti-colonialism and anti-repression struggles. “From climate change to liveable Earth, the Palestinian issue becomes the crossroad for every fight we have, at least in Western Europe,” he told Al Jazeera. He said that engaging in a political struggle is a political choice that values education over “giving arms to the military”.

His association is in contact with like-minded groups at other universities in Belgium and “we usually give one flag to each association” during nationwide demonstrations.