The Most Loved and the Most Hated Flag in the World: Symbols of Global Awakening

MAPIM Position Paper

The Most Loved and the Most Hated Flag in the World: Symbols of Global Awakening

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
Presiden MAPIM
7th September 2025

Introduction

In the global imagination, no two flags today represent such opposing moral realities as the Palestinian flag and the Israeli flag. The Palestinian flag, though belonging to a people under prolonged occupation and denied statehood, has emerged as one of the most loved and celebrated symbols across the world. In contrast, the Israeli flag—despite representing a recognized and militarily powerful state—has become one of the most hated banners, increasingly synonymous with apartheid, war crimes, and genocide. This position paper seeks to unpack the symbolism, historical trajectory, and current global perception of these two flags, and to highlight what they reveal about the awakening of a new moral order in international politics.

The Palestinian Flag: Symbol of Justice and Human Resilience

1. Historical Roots

The Palestinian flag, composed of black, white, green, and red, draws from the Pan-Arab colours that represent the unity and shared struggle of Arab peoples.

Since the 20th century, it has become the emblem of the Palestinian liberation movement, embodying the struggle for independence, dignity, and the right of return.

2. Global Embrace

From Cape Town to Kuala Lumpur, from London to New York, the Palestinian flag is raised in demonstrations, universities, mosques, churches, and even football stadiums.

It represents not only Palestine but also a universal struggle against injustice, oppression, and colonial domination.

The flag’s symbolism has transcended geography, making it an icon of global solidarity movements.

3. The Loved Flag

It is loved because it stands for justice, survival, dignity, and humanity.

The Palestinian flag awakens empathy and unites diverse communities, including youth movements, religious organizations, trade unions, and civil society activists worldwide.

The Israeli Flag: From National Emblem to Symbol of Apartheid

1. *Original Intention vs. Present Reality

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  The Israeli flag, marked by the blue Star of David and two stripes, was intended to symbolize the aspirations of a Jewish homeland.

However, over the decades, it has become associated with systemic oppression: the Nakba of 1948, illegal settlements, occupation of Palestinian lands, and repeated massacres in Gaza.

2. Perceptions in the Global South

For Palestinians, it is the flag of checkpoints, demolitions, and military occupation.

For much of the Global South, it is the emblem of Western-backed colonialism, double standards, and injustice.

Increasingly, even in the Global North, the Israeli flag is associated with apartheid and human rights violations.

3. The Hated Flag

It is despised not because of religion but because of the crimes committed under its banner: genocide in Gaza, land theft in the West Bank, and systemic racial discrimination.

The flag now symbolizes not liberation but colonial aggression and oppression.

Global Awakening Through Symbols

●The Palestinian flag unites, while the Israeli flag divides.

●The Palestinian flag awakens solidarity; the Israeli flag provokes condemnation.

The contrast highlights a broader moral awakening: people worldwide are increasingly unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice.

Evidence and Documentation

1. Human Rights Watch (HRW) – Designates Israel’s policies as apartheid, involving systemic domination and persecution of Palestinians.
2. Amnesty International – Documents widespread war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings of civilians in Gaza.
3. UN Reports – Condemn Israeli settlement activities and collective punishment as violations of international law.
4. International Solidarity – Record numbers of global protests in 2023–2025 saw the Palestinian flag as the dominant visual symbol, signaling the flag of the oppressed as the flag of the people. Implications for International Politics Moral Legitimacy : The Palestinian flag enjoys moral legitimacy far beyond state recognition, proving that the power of justice can outweigh military might. Soft Power Dynamics : The Palestinian cause has become a soft power force, reshaping narratives even in Western societies. Collapse of Israeli Narrative: The Israeli flag’s growing association with apartheid delegitimizes the Zionist project in global civil society, regardless of Western governmental support. Conclusion

The paradox is striking: the flag of a stateless and besieged people has become the most loved in the world, while the flag of a powerful, nuclear-armed state has become the most hated. This is not mere symbolism—it is a moral verdict. The Palestinian flag embodies humanity’s longing for freedom, dignity, and justice, while the Israeli flag has come to represent oppression, violence, and colonial arrogance.

This clash of symbols signals a world awakening, where people increasingly align not with power but with principles. The loved and the hated flags are not just national emblems—they are moral signposts. The future will remember that justice belongs to Palestine, while Israel’s flag will be recorded in history as a banner stained by apartheid and genocide.

Recommendations (MAPIM Call to Action):

1. UN Member States must recognise the State of Palestine as a full member.
2. Israel must be sanctioned and suspended from international institutions until it ends apartheid and complies with international law.
3. Civil societies worldwide should continue to raise the Palestinian flag as a symbol of justice and solidarity.

Prepared by:
Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM)
September 2025