The Palestine flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a powerful and deeply resonant symbol of identity, history, and resilience for Palestinians worldwide. Its striking design of black, white, and green horizontal stripes with a red triangle at the hoist carries centuries of meaning, representing the Palestinian people’s struggle for independence, their rich cultural heritage, and their unwavering hope for a sovereign state. Understanding the history and symbolism of this flag is crucial to appreciating its role in global politics, cultural expression, and the daily lives of millions.

The Historical Roots of the Palestine Flag 

The story of the Palestinian flag begins not with Palestine itself, but with the broader Arab nationalist movement in the early 20th century. Its design is directly inspired by the flag of the Arab Revolt of 1916. This uprising, led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, aimed to free Arab lands from Ottoman rule during World War I. The revolt’s flag was a symbol of pan-Arab unity and the aspiration for a unified Arab state.

From the Arab Revolt to Palestinian Identity

The flag of the Arab Revolt featured the same four colors, though their arrangement was slightly different. Black represented the Abbasid Dynasty, the white was for the Umayyad Dynasty, and green stood for the Fatimid Dynasty. The red triangle symbolized the Hashemite dynasty, which led the revolt.

Following the revolt and the subsequent dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the concept of a distinct Palestinian national identity began to solidify. The leaders of the Palestinian National Movement, separating from the broader Damascus-based nationalist movement, adopted the Arab Revolt flag as their own in the early 1920s. This was a deliberate choice, signaling their connection to the wider Arab struggle for self-determination while also asserting their specific national aspirations.

The Flag’s Official Adoption and Suppression

Throughout the British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948), the Palestinian flag became a potent symbol of resistance against both British rule and the Zionist project. Palestinians defiantly raised the flag at demonstrations and national occasions, despite British authorities banning its display.

After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, the flag’s significance deepened. It became an emblem of the ongoing refugee crisis and the unfulfilled dream of a Palestinian state. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officially adopted the flag in 1964, formally codifying its design and reaffirming its status as the national flag of the Palestinian people. The current dimensions of a 1:2 ratio and the specific color arrangement were officially set at this time.

In a remarkable act of symbolic resistance, Israel outlawed the Palestinian flag after the Six-Day War in 1967. This ban, which lasted until the early 1990s, meant that anyone displaying the flag could face arrest. In response, Palestinians developed creative alternatives, such as the now-famous watermelon symbol, which uses the same colors as the flag and became a subtle but unmistakable form of defiance.

Decoding the Colors: The Profound Symbolism

The four colors of the Palestine flag are steeped in history and profound meaning, each representing a key aspect of Palestinian identity and struggle.

The Four-Color Breakdown 

Black: This stripe at the top represents the Abbasid Caliphate, one of the great Islamic empires. More broadly, it symbolizes the darkness of oppression and the struggle against it. Some interpretations also link it to the Black Standard, the flag of Prophet Muhammad.

White: The middle stripe represents the Umayyad Caliphate and symbolizes peace, purity, and the bright future and hopes of the Palestinian people. It stands for the land and the resilience of its people.

Green: The bottom stripe is a powerful symbol of the land itself. It represents the fertility and richness of Palestine’s soil, its lush landscapes, and the Islamic faith, which often uses green as a sacred color. It signifies hope, prosperity, and the life-giving nature of the land.

Red: The triangle at the hoist is the color of the Khawarij, an early Islamic group. It is, however, most widely understood as a symbol of the bloodshed and sacrifices of martyrs—those who have died for the cause of Palestinian freedom and independence. It represents the bravery and resilience of the Palestinian people in their long fight for self-determination.

How to Draw the Palestine Flag: A Simple Guide

Drawing the Palestine flag is a straightforward process that allows you to connect with its powerful symbolism. Whether you’re an artist or just want to show solidarity, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Draw the Outline: Begin by drawing a horizontal rectangle. The standard proportion of the flag is 1:2, meaning its length is twice its height.

Add the Horizontal Stripes: Divide the rectangle into three equal horizontal sections. The top section should be filled with black, the middle with white, and the bottom with green. You can use a ruler to ensure the stripes are of equal width.

Draw the Red Triangle: On the left side of the rectangle, draw an equilateral triangle in red. The triangle’s base should run along the entire height of the flag’s hoist (the side where the flag is attached to a pole).

Color It In: Carefully color each section. Make sure the colors are vibrant and true to the flag’s design. The red should be a bold, striking shade, while the black, white, and green should be distinc

The Flag in the Modern Era: Trends and Context 

In recent years, the Palestinian flag has gained unprecedented global visibility, moving from a regional symbol to a staple of international solidarity movements. Its presence has become a powerful and recognizable statement in various contexts.

Widespread Use in Protests and Social Media

The flag is a ubiquitous sight at pro-Palestine demonstrations and rallies across the globe, from London to New York to Tokyo. Its use in these movements signifies a public show of support for the Palestinian people, their right to self-determination, and a call for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. 

On social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, the flag emoji (🇵🇸) and images of the flag have become a shorthand for expressing solidarity and raising awareness. This trend has been particularly prominent in the wake of escalating conflicts in the region since late 2023, driving conversations and mobilizing support on a global scale.

The Flag in International Law and Diplomacy

The status of the Palestine flag in the international arena is tied to the State of Palestine’s evolving diplomatic standing. As of early 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized by 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations. 

Since 2012, Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the UN, a significant diplomatic achievement that grants it the right to fly its flag at UN headquarters in New York. This diplomatic recognition, while not full membership, symbolizes a growing international consensus on the legitimacy of a Palestinian state and its right to national representation.

Art, Fashion, and Cultural Expression

Beyond political use, the Palestinian flag and its colors are increasingly integrated into art, fashion, and everyday cultural expression. Palestinian artists, designers, and creatives use the flag’s motif to celebrate their heritage and express a sense of belonging. 

The colors are woven into traditional garments, painted on murals in refugee camps, and incorporated into contemporary art pieces displayed in galleries worldwide. This cultural appropriation, by Palestinians and their supporters, is not a passing trend but a deep-seated expression of national pride and a testament to the flag’s enduring legacy.

Real-Life Examples: The Flag as a Lived Symbol

The power of the Palestinian flag is best understood through its presence in real-life situations. Here are a few examples that highlight its significance beyond official contexts.

The Symbol of Nakba Day

Each year on May 15th, Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which refers to the 1948 displacement of the majority of the Arab population of Palestine. The Palestinian flag is a central part of these commemorations, waved at memorial marches and displayed on homes and buildings. It serves as a reminder of the historical injustice and a vow to never forget the past.

The “Flag of Return” in Gaza

During the Great March of Return protests in Gaza in 2018-2019, the Palestinian flag was a constant presence. Protesters waved large flags as they marched toward the border, symbolizing their right to return to their ancestral homes, as enshrined in international law. The flag became a symbol of non-violent resistance and a powerful visual statement against the siege on Gaza.

The Academic and Campus Context

In the US and Europe, college campuses have become key sites for pro-Palestine activism. Students frequently fly the Palestinian flag at sit-ins, encampments, and rallies. This use is often tied to calls for their universities to divest from companies with ties to the Israeli occupation. For many students, the flag is a visible and uncomplicated way to show their support and solidarity, making it one of the most visible symbols on college campuses globally.

FAQs

What is the meaning of the red triangle on the Palestine flag?

The red triangle on the Palestine flag represents the sacrifices and bloodshed of Palestinian martyrs who have died for the cause of freedom and independence. It is also linked to the Hashemite dynasty, which led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, from which the flag’s design originates.

Who designed the original Palestine flag?

The design of the Palestine flag is based on the flag of the Arab Revolt of 1916. While its design is often attributed to Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the leader of the revolt, some sources also suggest British diplomat Sir Mark Sykes played a role in its creation. The Palestinian National Movement later adopted this design.

Why was the Palestinian flag banned in Israel?

Israel banned the Palestinian flag after the 1967 Six-Day War as it was seen as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism and a threat to Israeli sovereignty. The ban was a direct attempt to suppress Palestinian identity and political expression. It was eventually lifted with the signing of the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.

What is the symbolism behind the watermelon as a substitute for the flag?

The watermelon symbol, which has gained prominence in recent years, is a creative and symbolic substitute for the Palestinian flag. The fruit, when cut open, reveals the same colors as the flag—red flesh, white rind, and green skin, with black seeds. Palestinians used it as a subtle form of resistance during periods when the flag was banned.

Is the Palestinian flag recognized by the United Nations?

Yes, the Palestinian flag is officially recognized and flown at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This is a result of the UN General Assembly’s 2012 decision to upgrade Palestine’s status to a non-member observer state, which allowed the flag of the State of Palestine to be flown alongside those of full member states.

Final Thoughts 

The Palestine flag is a deeply meaningful symbol with a rich history rooted in the struggle for Arab unity and a distinct Palestinian national identity. Its journey from the battlefields of the Arab Revolt to its modern-day presence on social media and international stages reflects the evolving narrative of the Palestinian people. It is a powerful emblem of resilience, memory, and an unwavering hope for a future of peace, justice, and self-determination.

The flag’s endurance despite decades of suppression is a testament to its profound significance. It is a unifying force for Palestinians at home and in the diaspora, and a beacon of solidarity for people around the world who stand with their cause. Its colors—black, white, green, and red—are more than just a design; they are a visual representation of a people’s history, their sacrifices, and their aspirations for a sovereign and free Palestine.

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