The Palestinian Authority is calling the decision a symbolic victory because what they really want is full membership in the United Nations.

The United Nations cultural agency — UNESCO — has voted to admit “Palestine” as a full member. It’s the agency that protects historic heritage sites and works to improve world literacy and cultural understanding.

The vote was 107-to-14 with 52 abstentions. The US voted against.

The Palestinian Authority is calling the decision a symbolic victory because what they really want is full membership in the UN, recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

The World’s Matthew Bell is in Jerusalem.