Palestinian Flag Raised at the World Health Organization

The Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at the World Health Organization after a vote at its annual meeting.

News ID: 86240

Date: 27 May 2025 - 09:38

TEHRAN (Defapress) - According to Reuters, following a vote on Monday at the World Health Organization, the Palestinian delegation succeeded in obtaining the right to raise the Palestinian flag at the organization; a symbolic move that is considered meaningful in the path of greater recognition of Palestine in the international arena.

At the organization's annual meeting held in Geneva, the proposal to raise the Palestinian flag was approved with 95 votes in favor. This proposal was submitted by countries including China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and several others. On the other hand, 3 countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany, along with the Israeli regime, opposed it, and 27 countries abstained from voting.

The decision was made while speculation has increased about the possibility of France recognizing the state of Palestine. The move also follows the Palestinians’ successful efforts to gain international status, including gaining membership in the UN General Assembly last year.

Ibrahim Khraishi, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, described the move as “symbolic” and a sign of Palestine’s place as part of the international community, saying: “This is just a symbolic step, but it shows the fact that we are part of the international community and we want to contribute to meeting health needs.”

Khraishi expressed hope that Palestine would soon be able to gain full membership in the World Health Organization and other UN bodies.

Lebanese representative Rana al-Khouri, referring to the Israeli war in Gaza, said that the result of the vote was a small glimmer of hope for the brave Palestinian people, whose suffering had become unbearable.