French politicians bickered on Sunday over whether it is appropriate to hoist Palestinian flags outside town halls on the eve of the country's planned recognition of the State of Palestine.

Ahead of the landmark move, set to be finalised at the United Nations General Assembly in New York starting Monday, the government told town halls not to fly the flag and take down any Palestinian banners that they had already put up.

France is home to western Europe's largest Jewish population, at around half a million people, as well as a significant Muslim community sensitive to the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a divisive issue at a time when French Jews have condemned a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks.

Hardli

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