86 French municipalities raise Palestinian flag despite ban

The number of municipalities that raised the Palestinian flag over their buildings in France on Monday rose to 86, defying an Interior Ministry ban.

Among the symbolic gestures was the Strasbourg City Hall in eastern France, which was illuminated in the colors of the Palestinian flag

The move came as French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s recognition of the State of Palestine in a speech at the high-level international conference on achieving a peaceful settlement of the “Palestinian question” and implementing the two-state solution, which opened Monday in New York.

In his speech, Macron said: “The time for peace has come because we are only moments away from no longer being able to seize it. That is why we are here today. Some will say it is too late, others will say it is too soon. One thing is certain, we can no longer wait.” 

Earlier on Monday, the French Interior Ministry reported that 52 municipalities across the country had raised the Palestinian flag, in open defiance of the government ban.

Read more: French municipalities raise Palestinian flag despite governmental warnings

Among the cities taking part were Nantes, Saint-Denis, Stains, and Lyon.

France, along with Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta officially recognized the State of Palestine on Monday during the UN conference. 

Belgium also joined the recognition, but with conditions.

Read more: France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta recognize Palestinian state

Prime Minister Bart De Wever clarified that full legal recognition will only occur once all captives are released and Hamas is removed from governance in Palestine. 

“The legal recognition of a Palestinian state can only proceed once these objectives are achieved,” De Wever said.