French Socialist Leader Defends Palestinian Flag Displays, Distances Movement from Hamas
Saint-Denis, France – In a defiant display of solidarity, Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the French socialist Party (PS), defended the raising of the Palestinian flag at the Saint-Denis town hall on monday, asserting it represents the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination, not support for Hamas.
Speaking during the flag-raising ceremony, Faure emphasized that recognizing a palestinian state is not a “gesture that promotes Hamas,” but rather a clear message to the Israeli government. He stated it signifies France’s rejection of a “Greater Israel” extending “from the mediterranean to the Jordan river.”
“This flag is not the flag of Hamas, it is the flag of women and men who also have the right to freedom and self-determination,” Faure declared, addressing concerns that the gesture could be interpreted as support for the militant group.
The Socialist leader directly challenged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,stating the flag raising serves as a “reminder” amidst what he described as attempts to obstruct a two-state solution through the planned destruction of Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank.
Faure also called on other French municipalities to follow suit, urging them to raise the Palestinian flag as a demonstration of broader French support for a two-state solution – a position the Socialist Party has advocated “since 1982.” He was fast to distance Hamas from this goal, stating, “Hamas is not for the two-state solution,” and characterizing the flag display as a “symbolic” act with “nothing to do with the claim carried by this terrorist movement.”
[Image of Olivier Faure attending the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at the Saint-Denis town hall, near Paris, September 22, 2025. Credit: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP]
The move comes amidst heightened tensions in the region and ongoing debate within France regarding its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. faure’s strong statement underscores the Socialist Party’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution and its criticism of current Israeli policies.
Keywords: Olivier Faure,Socialist Party,Palestine,Palestinian Flag,Hamas,Israel,Benjamin Netanyahu,Two-State Solution,France,Saint-Denis,Gaza,West Bank,International Relations,Political News.
