France Bans Palestinian Flags on Public Buildings

TDT | Paris

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France’s Interior Ministry has instructed prefects across the country to block the display of Palestinian flags on town halls and other public buildings next week, when Paris is expected to formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly.

In a telegram seen by AFP on Friday, the ministry cited the “principle of neutrality in public service,” stating that flying the Palestinian flag would amount to “taking sides in an international conflict.”

The directive comes amid mounting political debate in France, where several mayors have already declared their intention to hoist the Palestinian flag on municipal buildings. The ministry warned that any such decisions should be referred to administrative courts if mayors refuse to comply.

The move follows calls by Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, who urged municipalities to display the Palestinian flag on Monday in solidarity, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN marks a significant diplomatic step, as international pressure grows on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza. The conflict has left much of the enclave in ruins, displaced thousands, and triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis, while Israeli hostages remain held by Palestinian militants.