Palestinian flag raised at Toronto City Hall, in other communities across Canada

Palestinian flags rose over several Canadian city halls and a provincial legislature for the first time, prompting celebration, condemnation, and a vow from one mayor to end all foreign flag-raisings.

Various civilian groups requested the flag-raising to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence on Saturday. The proclamation, issued by Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasser Arafat, intended to establish Palestinian sovereignty through a two-state solution grounded in international law. Canada, along with Britain, Australia and other allies, officially recognized Palestinian statehood in September.