Saint-Denis town hall raises Palestinian flag, defying govt orders

'Historic day' - Saint-Denis town hall raises Palestinian flag, defying govt orders as France set to recognise State of Palestine

Saint-Denis raised the Palestinian flag outside town hall on Monday, defying the government's warning against doing so as France prepares to formally recognise the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly.

Footage shows officials hoisting the Palestinian flag alongside the French and European Union flags outside Hotel de Ville.

"We are gathering to mark this historic moment, this historic day, when our country recognises the State of Palestine," declared Mayor Mathieu Hanotin.

He commended the French government's decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine, calling it a "big step towards the possibility of peace."

"This flag is a sign of international solidarity with the ongoing massacres and with all those suffering the horrors of war and dying under the bombs, especially children," he added.

The initiative was supported by the leader of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, who encouraged mayors across the country to raise the Palestinian flag in celebration of what he called 'a powerful diplomatic gesture'.

"This is what we wish for the Middle East with all our strength and all our hearts. To ensure that peace can finally reign in this region of the world, which has been ravaged by so many conflicts for so long," Faure explained.

According to the Interior Ministry, at least 21 town halls in France displayed the flag despite warnings to maintain 'neutrality' on public buildings.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had reportedly told local prefects to take such displays to court, arguing that they could increase tensions between France's Muslim and Jewish communities.

Earlier, the Eiffel Tower was lit with projections of the Palestinian and Israeli flags alongside a dove symbolising peace.

It comes after Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom formally recognised a Palestinian state, each stressing that Hamas 'must have no role' in its future governance.

At least ten further countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, Andorra and San Marino, are expected to follow suit on Monday during a special session of the 80th UNGA dedicated to the Palestinian question. Currently, 151 of the UN's 193 member states officially recognise the State of Palestine.

Follow us on:
WhatsApp cutt.ly/WhatsAppCFM
https://twitter.com/capitalfmkenya/
https://www.facebook.com/capitalfmkenya
https://www.instagram.com/capitalfmkenya

Subscribe to Capital FM News for More: https://goo.gl/um4AGk

98.4 Capital FM
93.0 Western Kenya
98.5 Nakuru and Nyeri
104.5 Malindi
102.7 Garissa
103.9 Meru
106.5 Kitui
104.9 Voi

#CapitalFmKenya #Palestine