Egypt Daily News – In a symbolic step, 95 countries at the World Health Organization (WHO) voted in favor of allowing the Palestinian delegation to raise its national flag at the organization for the first time—among them France and Japan.
Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraisha, commented on the decision by saying, “It’s just a symbolic measure, but it signifies that we are part of the international community, helping to meet health needs.” He expressed hope that Palestine would soon obtain full membership in the WHO and all UN agencies.
The motion, introduced by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, passed with majority support during WHO’s annual meeting in Geneva on Monday. Only four countries voted against it—Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany—while 27 countries abstained, including the United Kingdom.
This development comes amid signs that France may be moving toward recognizing a Palestinian state and follows a successful Palestinian bid last year to gain membership in the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Khraisha said the move could lead to greater recognition within and beyond the organization. Similarly, Lebanon’s delegate, Rana Khoury, said the vote result offered “a small glimmer of hope for the brave Palestinian people whose suffering has reached unbearable levels,” in a clear reference to the ongoing devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Israel’s Objection
Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron objected to the WHO’s decision, claiming it undermines UN principles and the rules-based international order. He called for a vote on the matter, stating that the decision “sends a dangerous message—that political symbolism can override legal standards, that emotions can replace procedures, and that advocacy interests may bend the rules of international legitimacy.”
The United States, Israel’s key ally and the WHO’s largest donor, did not participate in the vote. The U.S. has announced plans to withdraw from the organization.
Currently, Palestine holds observer-state status at the WHO, which is undergoing a transition as it looks to function without U.S. financial support.
Just last week, Palestinians were granted the right to receive notifications under the WHO’s International Health Regulations—a global framework for disease outbreak monitoring and response.
Palestinians seek to establish a state in territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. While around 150 countries have recognized the State of Palestine, most major Western powers including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Japan have not.
