Globally, Palestinian cause a magnet for 'self-determination', resisting 'colonialism & oppression'

As tens of thousands of people took to the streets around the world on Oct. 13 in support of the Palestinians, all such protests in Germany and France were banned. The two countries - home to the European Union's largest Jewish and Muslim communities - have cracked down on pro-Palestinian groups since Hamas militants burst over the border from Gaza and killed more than 1,400 Israelis on Oct. 7. The governments say the curbs are to stop public disorder and prevent antisemitism. But supporters of the Palestinians say they feel blocked from publicly expressing support or concern for people in the Hamas-controlled enclave of Gaza without risking arrest, their jobs or immigration status. More than 3,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel

launched a campaign of retaliatory bombing, while a blockade that prevents food, fuel and medicine for getting in has created

a humanitarian crisis. Amid the worldwide protests, FRANCE 24's Genie Godula is joined by Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics at Lancaster University, specialising in Middle East studies. He is also Director of SEPAD (the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianization Project).