A group of Arab countries at the last moment withdrew the anti-Israel resolution it was promoting at the 77th session of the World Health Organization in Geneva, with the support of Russia and Iran.

Ahead of the final vote on a resolution condemning Israel over the health situation in Gaza, the Israeli delegation to the WHO managed to secure the inclusion of an amendment demanding the immediate release of the hostages and condemning Hamas’ use of medical infrastructure and ambulances for military purposes.

After 50 countries voted in favour of the amendment, it was withdrawn. Slovenia, Belgium, Ireland and Norway were among 44 countries that voted against an amendment calling for the release of the abducted. 83 countries abstained from voting.

The representative of Egypt applied to withdraw the resolution from the vote, but under WHO rules, this now requires the consent of Israel, whose amendment was included in the text of the resolution. At the moment, it is not clear what decision will be made in the end.