The modern term “Palestine” refers to the territory comprising present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. This designation originated from a League of Nations mandate granted to the United Kingdom in 1920 to govern the area.
By 1927, a civil ensign was introduced, featuring the British Red Ensign with a white disk marked “Palestine.” This flag, along with the Union Jack— the official flag of the mandate— and a similarly altered British Blue Ensign, remained in use until 1948.
The Arab Revolt flag of 1917 aimed to symbolize a unified state covering modern Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian territories, and Jordan. Its design included black, green, and white stripes with a red triangle, representing various Arab dynasties.
In 1922, the stripe order was adjusted to black, white, and green for better visibility. This modified flag was unofficially adopted by the region’s predominantly Arab and Muslim population.
Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the non-Jewish inhabitants of the region have come to be known as Palestinians. Many Palestinians have lived as refugees in neighboring countries or the West Bank and Gaza, territories occupied by Israel since 1967. Over time, the 1922 flag has become a symbol of their quest for independence and statehood.
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officially adopted the flag on December 1, 1964. Following peace negotiations with the PLO in 1993, Israel lifted restrictions on flying the flag, allowing the Palestinian National Authority to use it.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the origin of the term “Palestine”?
The term “Palestine” refers to the area comprising present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. It originated from a League of Nations mandate granted to the United Kingdom in 1920 to administer the territory.
What did the 1922 flag of Palestine represent?
The 1922 flag, featuring black, white, and green stripes with a red triangle, symbolized the Arab struggle for independence and was unofficially adopted by the region’s Arab and Muslim population.
How did Palestinians come to identify with the 1922 flag?
Palestinians, who have faced displacement and occupation, adopted the 1922 flag as a symbol of their struggle for independence and statehood, especially after the 1967 occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
When did the PLO officially endorse the 1922 flag?
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) formally endorsed the 1922 flag on December 1, 1964.
When were restrictions on flying the Palestinian flag lifted?
Restrictions on flying the Palestinian flag were lifted in 1993 following negotiations between Israel and the PLO, allowing its use by the Palestinian National Authority.
Conclusion
The modern designation of “Palestine” has evolved significantly since the League of Nations mandate of 1920. The 1922 flag, initially adopted to represent Arab aspirations, has become a potent symbol of Palestinian identity and their ongoing struggle for statehood. Following the formal endorsement by the PLO in 1964 and the lifting of restrictions by Israel in 1993, the flag has come to represent not only a historical connection to the region but also the enduring quest for independence by the Palestinian people.
