Translator’s Note: I have accessed primary Arab-language sources to compile this objective study of the Palestinian Flag. The original Flag of Palestine was designed by Sharif Hussein [بن علي الحسين شريف] (1853-1931) during 1916 – as an expression of Arab Unity in opposition to the Western imperialist presence and British colonial interference in the region. Notice that no Arab (Muslim) commentator recognises the version of this flag prevalent in the West that possess the Socialist Fist symbol – or the “Free Palestine” epithet, etc – both added by the political left in its support for the Palestinian people. This is because this flag, although adopted by the Arab Socialist Baath Party, is actually a flag which possesses a deep and profound association with a) the history of theological Islam, and b) the history of the physical spread of Islam across the world. An ahistorical statement currently originating from the depths of US anti-intellectualism (and mindlessly trumpeted by the political far-right) – is that the British Tory (and British Army Officer) – Sir Mark Sykes – “designed” not only the Palestinian Flag – but ALL subsequent Arab national flags! This obviously “racist” pseudo-history has its origins in William Easterly’s (2006) book entitled “The White Man’s Burden”. No Arab-language source agrees with this ridiculous assessment – or even bothers to mention this degenerate tome. Having established this analytical basis, it is important to emphasis that this flag has historically possessed a number of slightly different and varying designs – highlighted below. The “red triangle” has nothing to do with the “red triangle” found in the centre of the Flag of the International Brigades (1936-1939):
This flag was used to represent the “Internationalist” (Socialist) effort to assist the democratically elect Socialist government of the Spanish Republic in its fight against Franco’s fascist rebellion backed by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and the Catholic Church. The “red triangle” in this flag derives from the symbol used to represent the “Basel” (Switzerland) Branch of Karl Marx’s “International Workingmen’s Association” (1864-1876). I think many in the West incorrectly assume the two “red triangles” are identical and represent the same principle. In the Palestinian Flag represents the Hashemite Nobility, the Kings of Hijaz, and the Leaders of the Arab Revolution. Where there is a broad overlap between the Islamic intentions and Socialism – is that the Arab (of whatever religion or none) were (and are) fighting a brutal Western, imperialist presence. This temporarily makes the Palestinian Flag “Socialist” by association – but not by intent. Once the Arab world is freed – an Islam regime (of whatever kind) will be established and definitely not a Socialist State. This is why many Islamic religionists oppose Arab Socialism – which would progress society into a secular direction – and redefine religion as a private affair. ACW (6.9.2025)
The Palestinian Flag is comprised of four colours:
1) Black = Flag of Punishment – Conquests of the Prophet (PBUH) – Rashidun Caliphate and Abbasids
2) White = Umayyads
3) Green = Fatimids
4) Red – Hashemite Nobility – Kings of Hijaz – Leaders of the Revolution
1916 = The Palestinian Flag was designed by Sharif Hussein – and represents the Arab Revolt
1917 = Palestinians adopted this flag as a sign of the Palestinian National Movement
1947 = Arab Baath Party Adopts this flag as symbol of Arab Unity
1948 = Palestinian Conference in Gaza officially adopts this flag
1948 = Arab League officially recognizes this flag as representing the Palestinian people
1964 = May 28 – Palestinian National Council National Charter (Article 27) – Palestine, like all other countries, should possess a Flag, an Oath and a National Anthem
1964 = Flag confirmed as possessing the colours black, white, and green – with a red triangle
1965 = PLO Executive Committee officially adopts this flag as representing the Palestinian Revolution
1967 = Israeli State “bans” the private ownership – or flying – of Palestinian Flag in public
1988 = Israeli State “bans” all artistic depictions of the Palestinian Flag – regardless of context
1988 = PLO Executive Committee officially adopts this flag as representing the Palestnian State
2015 = September – United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approves the raising the Palestinian Flag at its New York Headquarters – 119 countries voted for the Resolution, 45 Abstained, and 8 Opposed – those who opposed were United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Tuvalu, Palau, Marshall Islands, and United States of Micronesia
Arabic Language References:
علمُ فلسطين، تاريخ ونضال منذ 108 عامًا
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 