Palestinian flag raised at UN

The Palestinian flag is raised for the first time at the UN headquarters in New York, a symbolic step for the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood

Palestinian flag flown separately from UN member states, arranged in English alphabetical order

ORIGINS OF PALESTINIAN FLAG

1917: Flag of Arab Revolt designed to foster united state encompassing present-day countries of Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian territories and Jordan

1922: Order of stripes changed to improve visibility 1922 flag as symbol of their struggle for statehood

1948: Creation of State of Israel – Palestinians regard

1964: Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) formally endorses flag

1993: After negotiations with PLO, Israel relaxes restrictions on flying flag which is subsequently adopted by Palestinian National Authority

Sep 10, 2015: UN General Assembly passes resolution allowing non-member observer states – Palestine and Vatican – to raise their flags alongside those of 193 UN member states

Black, green, and white stripes, as well as red triangle, represent Arab dynasties and eras

In favour Includes France, Italy and Spain 119

Abstentions 45 Includes UK, Germany

Against 8 Includes Australia, Canada, Israel and U.S.

Sources: UN, Encyclopaedia Britannica Picture: Getty Images

words 194