Palestinian flag raised at UN for first time

The Palestinian flag was raised over the United Nations in New York City for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, following a vote on the matter earlier this month.

The ceremony was attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who called Israel an “occupying power” in a speech marking the occasion.

{mosads}U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it a “day of pride for the Palestinian people” and a “day of hope.”

The move drew censure from the United States and Israel, who both voted against the resolution on displaying the flag.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, said, “Raising the Palestinian flag outside the U.N. Headquarters is not an alternative to negotiations and will not bring the parties closer to peace.”

Israel U.N. Permanent Representative Ron Prosor said at the time of the vote that the move was a “blatant attempt to hijack the U.N.”

The General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Sept. 10 to allow the State of Palestine, which is officially recognized with nonmember observer status, to fly its flag in front of U.N. headquarters and U.N. offices.

The vote was passed with 119 votes in favor, 45 abstaining, and eight opposed.