The United Nations’ cultural agency UNESCO granted the Palestinians full membership of the body, a vote that will boost their bid for recognition as a state at the United Nations.

The United Nations cultural agency has admitted Palestine as a full member in a highly divisive bid that opponents say could harm renewed peace efforts. 107 votes turned up in favor of Palestinians, while 14 were against the membership bid of Palestine.

UNESCO is the first U.N. agency the Palestinians have sought to join as a full member since President Mahmoud Abbas applied for full membership of the United Nations on Sept. 23.

Palestine Vote Unesco concluded

Countries which voted against Palestinian membership are Israel, The United States, Holland, Canada and Germany, while Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa and France voted in favour of Palestine. Britain abstained in the vote.

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