Embassy of State of Palestine formally opens in London
Embassy of State of Palestine formally opens in London
M.U.H
06/01/202633
London: The Palestinian embassy has officially been inaugurated in London, some four months after Britain announced the recognition of the State of Palestine.
The embassy, formerly the Palestinian mission, in the Hammersmith area of west London was opened in the presence of a group of foreign diplomats and UK diplomatic representative, Alistair Harrison, as well as supporters of Palestine on Monday.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot described the embassy building as "a piece of Palestine on British soil" and "a symbol of peace, steadfastness, dignity, and [Palestinian] people's enduring pursuit of justice and freedom."
He called the occasion a "historic moment" and a "profound milestone" in British-Palestinian relations, and in the Palestinian people's long journey to freedom and self-determination.
Elsewhere in his speech, the Palestinian ambassador considered the opening of the embassy a sign of “the continuity of Palestinian identity” and a message of resistance in Gaza, the West Bank and refugee camps, emphasizing that the Palestinians' demand for the end of occupation and realize their legitimate rights remain on the agenda.
The British government, in a historic move on September 20, recognized the State of Palestine as an independent and sovereign, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that the decision would open a “new chapter in London-Palestinian relations.”
Observers say that measures such as recognizing or promoting diplomatic relations will have meaning and lasting effect when accompanied by real pressure on the Israeli regime to stop the violence, lift the siege, and guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people.
