The Palestinian Flag Will Fly At The World Health Organization Headquarters (WHO)

Illustration of the Palestinian flag. (Wikimedia Commons/Joi Ito)

The Palestinian delegation won the right to fly their flag at the World Health Organization (WHO) after a win in Monday's vote which is expected to lead to greater recognition within the United Nations (UN) and beyond that.

The proposal, submitted by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, at the annual global agency session in Geneva, Switzerland, received the support of 95 votes. Meanwhile, four votes opposed coming from Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Germany, while 27 countries abstained, quoted from Reuters 27 May.

This proposal follows successful Palestinian efforts to become a member of the UN General Assembly last year and comes amid signs that France could recognize the Palestinian state.

In his speech at the meeting, Palestinian State Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi said the resolution was symbolic and was a single step, as well as proof that Palestine is part of the international community that contributes to supporting health issues.

"We look forward to getting full membership in WHO and all United Nations agencies soon," he said, quoted by WAFA.

Although nearly 150 countries have recognized the Palestinian State, most Western countries and other major countries have yet to recognize, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan.

France and Japan voted in favor of the proposal, while Britain abstained.

"This is symbolic and one action, but it is a sign that we are part of the international community to help meet health needs," Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi, told Reuters.

"I hope we will soon have full membership at WHO and all UN forums," he continued.

Palestine currently has the status of an official observer country at WHO. Last week, Palestine won the right to receive notifications under WHO International Health Regulations - a series of global rules to monitor the outbreak.