The Palestinian delegation has won the right to raise its flag on the World Health Organization, following a symbolic victory in today’s vote that its envoy hopes to lead to greater recognition within the United Nations and beyond.

The proposal, submitted by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries, at the annual Assembly of the Organization in Geneva voted with 95 votesfour against (Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany) and 27 abstentions.

Israel argued against its resolution and requested a vote. His main ally, the US, who intends to leave where they did not participate.

“It is a symbolic and isolated energy, but also an indication that we are part of an international community for help in health needs,” Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Hraisi told Reuters.

“I hope soon to have a full member regime in all the United Nations forum,” he added.

In an obvious reference to the devastating Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, Lebanon’s representative, Rana El Houri, said that the outcome of the vote gives a “small ray of hope for the brave Palestinian people, whose suffering has reached the retirement”.

Today’s vote follows the successful Palestinian demand for joining the United Nations General Assembly last year and takes place in the wake of indications by France for possible recognition of a Palestinian state.

Although nearly 150 countries have recognized a Palestinian state, most of the large western countries and other forces have not done so – including the US, Britain, France, Germany and Japan.

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