The Palestinian delegation won the right to fly their flag at the World Health Organisation after a symbolic victory in a vote that its envoy hopes will lead to greater recognition within the United Nations and beyond, Reuters reports.

The proposal, brought by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and others, at the global agency’s annual assembly in Geneva passed with 95 in favour and four against —Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic and Germany — and 27 abstentions.

Israel argued against the WHO resolution and called for a vote. Its main ally, the United States, which plans to exit the WHO, did not participate.

Even though almost 150 countries have recognised a Palestinian state, most major Western and other powers have not, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Japan.