THE UN general assembly voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to allow Palestine to raise its flag at the organisation’s headquarters in New York.

Israel strongly objected to the proposal and joined seven other countries, including the United States, in voting against it. But 119 nations voted in favour and 45 — including Britain — abstained.

Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour hailed the “historic vote,” calling it “another step towards fulfilment of the promise of independence made to the Palestinian people nearly seven decades ago.

“Of course we know that raising our flag will neither end the occupation nor solve the conflict immediately,” Mr Mansour said.

“But raising the flag will signal to our people everywhere.”