Overview

• The Nice administrative tribunal held urgent hearings on June 24 over appeals seeking the removal of eight Israeli flags that have adorned the city hall since October 2023.
• Mayor Christian Estrosi has refused to take down the flags, which he frames as humanitarian support for victims of terrorism until the last Israeli hostage is freed from Gaza.
• Prefect Laurent Hottiaux formally demanded the flags’ removal last week, citing France’s public service neutrality requirement that prohibits municipal political statements.
• Pro-Palestinian groups in Nice have repeatedly demonstrated and filed legal suits arguing the flags signal endorsement of contested Israeli policies under International Criminal Court scrutiny.
• Comparable disputes have arisen elsewhere, including a June 24 request by the Doubs prefect to remove a Palestinian flag in Besançon and recent court orders against flag displays in three other communes.