For the first time, the Palestinian flag will be flown at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters following a symbolic yet significant vote during the agency’s annual assembly in Geneva.
Proposed by countries including China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, the motion passed with 95 votes in favor, four against—Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany—and 27 abstentions. The U.S., which plans to withdraw from the WHO, did not participate.
The Palestinian envoy to the UN in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi, called the vote a meaningful step toward broader global recognition and hopes it paves the way for full membership in the WHO and other UN bodies.
The vote comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows last year’s successful bid by Palestine for UN General Assembly membership. Lebanon’s delegate, Rana el Khoury, said the decision offered a “small ray of hope” for Palestinians enduring extreme suffering.
Although over 140 countries have recognized Palestinian statehood, key powers such as the U.S., UK, Germany, and Japan have yet to do so. Notably, France and Japan supported the WHO resolution, while Britain abstained.
The Palestinians currently hold observer status at the WHO and recently gained the right to receive international health emergency notifications under WHO protocols.