A flag-raising event took place outside the Palestinian mission in London on Monday, following the UK’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine, a move also supported by Australia, Canada, and Portugal. France and other nations are expected to join in acknowledging Palestinian statehood during the annual UN General Assembly in New York, commencing on the same day.
Husam Zomlot, the Head of Mission, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited recognition while overseeing the flag-raising ceremony in Hammersmith, west London, in the presence of a gathering. Displaying a sign that read “Embassy of the State of Palestine,” Zomlot mentioned that the embassy’s establishment was pending some necessary legal and bureaucratic processes.
He emphasized that the recognition was a significant step in addressing historical injustices, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Palestinian population is enduring unimaginable suffering. Zomlot highlighted the UK’s recognition as particularly meaningful given its historical involvement in the establishment of Israel through the Balfour Declaration of 1917.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined plans for the Palestinian Authority to establish an embassy and appoint an ambassador in the UK, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic procedures to advance a two-state solution. Cooper also addressed inquiries regarding the status of the British consulate in east Jerusalem, stating that it will remain operational in the interim, with diplomatic discussions scheduled with the Palestinian Authority.
In response to the announcement, the British foreign ministry updated its travel guidance, replacing the term “Occupied Palestinian territories” with “Palestine.” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the recognition efforts as unfounded and potentially threatening to Israel’s security, pledging to expedite the construction of new settlements in the West Bank, which Israel occupies.
The conflict in Gaza erupted following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to official figures compiled by AFP. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have claimed the lives of at least 65,208 people, the majority of whom are civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry and endorsed by the UN.