As violent student unrest spreads across France, a strong pro-Palestinian current has become increasingly visible — particularly at demonstrations in areas with large Muslim and immigrant populations.

The protests began over domestic education issues, including overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating school conditions. But Palestinian flags and Gaza-related slogans have appeared repeatedly at demonstrations far removed from the Middle East.

Palestinian flags have been displayed during school blockades in Paris, Nantes and other French cities. At Carpentras, students were reportedly filmed around a fire chanting, “We burned Israel,” while demonstrations elsewhere have included chants expressing solidarity with Gaza.

The ideological overlap also involves France's radical left. Politicians from Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise have openly supported the student mobilization, and French authorities have accused LFI and ultra-left activists of helping organize or amplify parts of the movement. LFI rejects accusations that it is responsible for the violence.

The combination reflects a political alliance increasingly visible in France: radical-left activism merging with causes that have particularly strong support among sections of the country's Muslim population, with Palestine serving as a common rallying issue.

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