A historical and geographical comparison of the solidarity movement with the Palestinians leads to a relative assessment of the current mobilization. The pro-Palestinian movement in France emerged from the Six-Day War around four spheres. The first sphere consisted of immigrant workers and students from the Arab world. Among them were Palestinians, but they were a minority at the time as pan-Arabism was more prevalent, and the focus was on the Israeli-Arab conflict rather than the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The second sphere was composed of Gaullists who were inspired by General de Gaulle’s “Arab policy” and created the Franco-Arab Solidarity Association. The third sphere included “leftist Catholics,” with the weekly newspaper Témoignage chrétien helping to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause and organizing solidarity trips to the Holy Land. The fourth sphere, the far-left, applied an anti-imperialist lens to the situation in the Middle East.
Over the decades, other activists have joined the movement. A notable development has been the rise of pan-Islamic solidarity, with the Palestinian cause becoming a symbol of Muslim oppression. In the 2000s, there were even street prayers at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, surprising historical militants who advocated for a “secular and democratic Palestine.” The limited popularity of Hamas was evident in protests organized in Paris during outbreaks of violence in the Middle East, where Hamas symbols were overshadowed by Palestinian flags and symbols of the far-left. The Hamas victory in the 2006 legislative elections was seen as a seismic event, prompting reflection on the significance of democratic choices made by the Palestinian people.
In the past, France attracted attention from foreign observers regarding the passion surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the country. This interest was often linked to the presence of significant Jewish and Muslim communities. However, the focus has shifted towards the United States and the United Kingdom, where mobilizations have gained more traction. The largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in London gathered around three hundred thousand people according to the police, approximately ten times more than in Paris. The attention to the conflict has shifted away from France, with the United States and the United Kingdom now becoming the focal points for Palestinian solidarity movements.
In conclusion, the history of the pro-Palestinian movement in France highlights the diverse origins and influences that have shaped its development over the years. From immigrant communities to leftist activists, solidarity with the Palestinian cause has evolved and expanded to incorporate a wide range of perspectives. The rise of pan-Islamic solidarity and the challenges posed by the Hamas victory have added complexity to the movement, raising questions about the future direction and strategies of pro-Palestinian activism. The shifting focus of international attention towards the United States and the United Kingdom underscores the global nature of the Palestinian solidarity movement and the need for continued engagement and advocacy on behalf of the Palestinian people.
