French authorities issue advisory to mayors, discouraging the display of the Palestinian flag during the upcoming week.
France is set to make a significant move in the Middle East conflict, as the country is scheduled to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. This announcement comes as part of President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to support the two-state solution and exert new diplomatic pressure to end the Gaza war.
However, the French interior ministry has issued a warning to mayors, stating that any display of the Palestinian flag on town halls and other public buildings next week would amount to taking sides in an international conflict. The principle of neutrality in public service prohibits such displays, according to the ministry. Mayors who refuse to comply with this order may have their decisions referred to administrative courts.
The warning was issued after Socialist leader Olivier Faure called for the Palestinian flag to be flown on town halls on Monday. The display of Palestinian flags on town halls is a contentious issue in France, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused French President Macron of pursuing a policy of "appeasement" towards the Hamas militants. Netanyahu's comments come as several other leaders have announced their intent to formally recognize the Palestinian state during the UN summit.
Despite the interior ministry's warning, several French mayors have announced their intention to defy the order and display the Palestinian flag on their town halls next week. Mayors who decide to fly the Palestinian flag should refer their decisions to courts, as per the interior ministry's instructions.
The situation is a complex one, with France finding itself in the middle of a delicate international issue. As the events unfold, it remains to be seen how the French government will navigate this challenging situation while maintaining its commitment to neutrality and diplomacy.
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