The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) became the first UN agency to welcome the Palestinians as a full member since President Mahmoud Abbas applied for full membership of the United Nations on September 23.

A huge cheer erupted in UNESCO's General Assembly after the vote, which marks a symbolic victory for Palestinians in the complex diplomacy that surrounds their collective status and relations with foreign powers.

Israel called the vote a "tragedy" and the decision damaged relations between UNESCO and the US, an ally of Israel that provides about 22 percent of the body's funding, or some US$70 million.

The White House said the vote was "premature" and would not aid peace and the US ambassador to the United Nations said UNESCO would suffer.

UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova, who previously pleaded for Washington not to withdraw support, told delegates funding may be jeopardized.