The Palestinian delegation wins the right to fly its flag at the World Health Organization after a symbolic victory in a vote that its envoy hopes will lead to greater recognition within the United Nations and beyond.
The proposal, brought by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and others, at the global agency’s annual assembly in Geneva passes with 95 in favor and four against – Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic and Germany – and 27 abstentions.
Israel argued against the WHO resolution. Its main ally, the United States, which plans to exit the WHO, did not participate.
France and Japan voted in favor of the proposal while Britain abstained.
“It is symbolic and one act but a sign that we are part of an international community to help on health needs,” the Palestinian Authority’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi, tells Reuters. “I hope we will soon have full membership of the WHO and all UN forums.”
Last week, the Palestinians won the right to receive notifications under the WHO’s International Health Regulations – a set of global rules for monitoring outbreaks.
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Monday, May 26, 2025
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