In a symbolic yet powerful move, the Palestinian flag will now be raised at the World Health Organization (WHO) following a 95–4 vote at the agency’s assembly in Geneva.
The vote, supported by countries like China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, marks another step in the Palestinians’ ongoing push for broader recognition within the United Nations. This development comes amid continued conflict and humanitarian suffering, keeping Palestine in sharp focus on the global stage.
While Israel strongly opposed the motion, the United States notably refrained from casting a vote. France and Japan diverged from typical allies and voted in favor, while the United Kingdom chose to abstain.
Though symbolic, the decision carries weight. Flying the Palestinian flag at a major global institution reinforces a message of visibility and resilience—Palestine remains part of the international conversation, even in the face of ongoing war and displacement.
