Palestinian flag to be raised at WHO for the first time

Palestinian delegation has obtained the right to raise its flag at the World Health Organization (WHO) following a symbolic victory after a vote on Monday, which its delegate hopes will lead to formal recognition of Palestine at the United Nations and beyond.

The proposal, presented by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and several other countries during the annual assembly of the global agency in Geneva, was adopted with 95 votes in favor and 4 against — Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany — and 27 abstentions.

This event follows last year's successful bid by Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly and comes amid signs that France could recognize a Palestinian state.

In an apparent reference to the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Lebanese delegate Rana al-Khoury stated that the vote result offered “a small ray of hope for the brave Palestinian people whose suffering has reached unbearable levels.” Israel opposed the WHO resolution and requested a vote. Its main ally, the United States, which plans to withdraw from WHO, did not participate.

Although nearly 150 countries have recognized the Palestinian state, most major Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, have yet to do so. France and Japan voted in favor of the proposal, while the United Kingdom abstained.

“It’s a symbolic and unique act, but it shows that we are part of an international community to assist with health needs,” said Ibrahim Khraishi, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva. “I hope we will soon achieve full membership at WHO and all United Nations forums.”

The Palestinians aspire to the creation of a state on the territories that Israel conquered during the Six-Day War in 1967. They have official observer state status at WHO, which is currently undergoing transformation in anticipation of the departure of its main donor, the United States.

Last week, the Palestinians obtained the right to receive notifications under the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR)—a set of global rules for epidemic surveillance.