The Executive Board of UNESCO, Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, on Tuesday ratified a resolution ignoring Jewish connection to Jerusalem holy sites despite Israel's effort to delay the ratification.

Israel’s ambassador to UNESCO, Carmel Shama HaCohen, attempted to lobby for a delay of the decision, after convincing two friendly countries with representation on the board to request a stay in light of the controversy it has caused.

Executive Board chairman Michael Worbs of Germany, who has himself expressed opposition to the document’s wording, would then have rescheduled the ratification for a later date, allowing for renewed debate and possible changes in the wording of the resolution. But a group of Arab nations which backed the motion reportedly put heavy pressure on Worbs, who then announced he would suspend himself from chairing the meeting.

Worbs will be replaced by Swedish ambassador Annika Markovic, who is not expected to support a postponement.

The resolution was supported by 24 member states and 26 abstained, including France, Italy and Spain.

Two member states were absent during the vote.

Six nations, including the United States, Germany and Britain voted to oppose the resolution.

On Monday, Mexico, which originally supported the resolution, announced that it would abstain.

UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova strongly condemned the resolution and spoke of the importance of honoring the long religious and historical connection all three religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – have to the site.

Outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has also spoken out against such resolutions.

According to his spokesman, “The secretary-general reiterates that any perceived undertaking to repudiate the undeniable common reference for these sites does not save the interests of peace and will only feed violence and radicalism. He also calls on all sides to uphold the status quo in relation to the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem.”

Israel has suspended its cooperation with UNESCO following the vote of the resolution. Isra eli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the vote, stating: ''The theater of the absurd continues at the UN.''