Palestinian Flag Raised in Dozens of French, UK Cities

IQNA – Following the move by a number of countries, including France and the UK, to recognize the state of Palestine, the Palestinian flag was raised in dozens of cities across France and Britain.

On Monday, despite a ban announced by the French interior ministry, the Palestinian flag was flown by municipalities in 86 French cities.

This comes as French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s recognition of the state of Palestine in his speech at an international conference held in New York on a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue.

Macron said, “We can no longer wait to recognize the state of Palestine.”

He added, “We bear collective responsibility for our failure to achieve a just peace in the Middle East.”

On Monday, the French interior ministry announced that 52 municipalities across the country had raised the Palestinian flag on their buildings, defying a government ban.

Among the cities that witnessed the action were Nantes, Saint-Denis, Staines and Lyon, while reports suggest that other municipalities are also preparing to raise the flag.

Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal have also announced their recognition of Palestine, bringing the number of UN member states that have recognized the state of Palestine to 146 out of 193. Other countries are expected to join the process, including Luxembourg, San Marino, Belgium, Andorra and Malta.

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK’s formal recognition of the state of Palestine. The following day, the Palestinian flag was raised above the Palestinian embassy in London in the presence of several ambassadors and representatives of political parties.

Palestinian news agency Wafa quoted Hossam Zomlat, the Palestinian ambassador to Britain, as saying, “Raising the Palestinian flag does not mean the end of the struggle, but rather a new step towards freedom. After a century of denial, the British government recognizes the state of Palestine.”

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