France Bans Palestinian Flags on Town Halls Ahead of State Recognition at UN

France’s interior ministry has instructed regional prefects to block mayors from displaying the Palestinian flag on town halls and other public buildings next week, as Paris prepares to formally recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.

In a telegram seen by AFP on Friday, the ministry said flying the flag would breach the principle of neutrality in public service and could be interpreted as “taking sides in an international conflict.” It ordered prefects to intervene if municipalities attempted to display the Palestinian flag, and to refer cases to administrative courts should mayors refuse to comply.

The directive comes amid heightened tensions in France over Israel’s war in Gaza, which has created a humanitarian crisis and drawn widespread international criticism. Several French mayors have already announced plans to fly the Palestinian flag next week, following a call by Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure for nationwide displays of solidarity with Palestinians.

The interior ministry’s warning coincides with a sensitive moment on the calendar: Monday marks both the UN session where France will formalize recognition of Palestinian statehood and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Officials stressed that allowing the Palestinian flag on town halls would violate the government’s duty of impartiality in foreign affairs.

“It is therefore appropriate to ask mayors who display such flags on their public buildings to cease doing so,” the telegram stated. “In the event of refusal or non-compliance, their decisions should be referred to the administrative courts.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism from both sides of the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused him of pursuing a policy of “appeasement” toward Hamas, while Macron argued on Thursday that recognizing a Palestinian state would help isolate the militant group and revive prospects for peace.

The debate over flags highlights broader divisions in French society over the war. Demonstrations have taken place across the country in recent months, with pro-Palestinian activists urging stronger support from Paris and Jewish groups warning against displays they fear could inflame antisemitism.

France is not alone in moving toward recognition of a Palestinian state. Several other world leaders are expected to make similar declarations during the UN summit in New York, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Israel as it continues its military operations in Gaza and negotiates over the fate of hostages still held by Hamas.

For now, French authorities appear determined to separate symbolic gestures at the municipal level from official foreign policy decisions taken in Paris, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue as the government prepares for a landmark step on the world stage.