Video footage of street interviews with Gazans in Khan Younis, Gaza, shows that they believe the riots in France, which are still ongoing, were inspired by Gaza.

Those interviewed expressed pride in that notion and gratitude to the people of France for taking up their cause, as evidenced by the Palestinian flags showing up at protests.

“This movement started right here in Gaza,” one man said

Another Khan Younis resident said, “God willing, the whole world will rise up in this same way. Gaza sparked the movement worldwide, prompting France to take action with protests and calls for people everywhere to wake up, fly the Palestinian flag, and stand by our side because our cause is ultimately one.”

“I want to send a heartfelt thank you to the people of France for backing the Palestinian cause and proudly displaying the Palestinian flag for the world to see,” said a third Gazan.

“It’s a sign from God for sure. The Western world will pay the price,” a woman added.

The riots that overwhelmed France  and spread to Spain and Italy began in September, ostensibly to protest poor conditions in schools, such as leaky pipes and rat infestations, and then took on a life of their own as huge numbers of young men were swept up in the fervor. Many took advantage of the chaos to set fires in the streets and loot stores.

As the riots spread, they became a general protest against the cost of living, the governments of the respective countries in which the demonstrations were taking place, and the war in Gaza.