The Palestinian flag was raised at the United Nations on Wednesday for the first time, a symbolic gesture approved by a General Assembly vote at the world body earlier this month

The Palestinians raised their flag at the United Nations on Wednesday for the first time, a symbolic gesture approved by a General Assembly vote at the world body earlier this month.

The red, black, white and green Palestinian flag was erected around 1:15 pm (1715 GMT) in the rose garden of the UN headquarters.

"In this historical moment, I say to my people everywhere: raise the flag of Palestinians very high because it is the symbol of our identity... It is a proud day," Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told a huge crowd.

The General Assembly voted Sept.10 to allow the flags of Palestine and the Vatican -- both have observer status -- to be raised at the world body alongside those of member states.

The resolution was backed by 119 countries, with 45 abstentions and eight votes against, including Australia, ‘Israel’ and the United States.