In what many are calling a small victory for Palestinians, the red, black, white and green flag of Palestine was flown outside the UN headquarters in New York. Just a few weeks ago, the vote to allow non-member country flags to be displayed alongside member states' flags gained overwhelming support.
Although countries such as the United States, Israel and Canada voiced their opinion against allowing the Palestine flag to be raised, 119 out of the 193 members of the assembly voted favorably for the resolution.
Palestine's flag is not the only controversial flag to be waved. Other symbols have and continue to make headlines as well. Here are just some of the thought-provoking flags that have raised a furor throughout history.
Confederate Flag
Some still esteem the Confederate flag as a symbol of the Confederate states and in memorial of their soldiers. Others, however, regard it as a relic of an era of slavery and oppression.
Union Jack
The flag design used by many former British colonies has been coming under scrutiny, with many countries wanting to scrap the bands of their colonizers. In 1965, Canada was able to adopt a new flag, replacing the Red Ensign flag with a Union Jack design with its now iconic red Maple Leaf.
Northern Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, and Fiji are just some countries currently gaining support to leave behind the Union Jack flag.
Spain
Because of the civil war in the 1930s, Spain remains a nation divided. Right-wingers wave the red and yellow flag with a black eagle to show their support for what history considers the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spanish leftists, meanwhile, hold high the red, yellow and purple flag that represents the Second Spanish Republic.
Cyprus
With the island nation literally divided in half, the red crescent and star flag of the Republic of Cyprus flies in the north given the Turkish occupation in the region. The flag is seen as a symbol of an illegal state by Greek Cypriots in the south.
Rainbow Flag
The many colors of the rainbow have been used by the LGBT community to represent pride and diversity. Originally designed in 1978, the flag continues to draw criticism and controversy wherever it is hoisted.
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