Palestine inaugurates first embassy in London following UK statehood recognition News
Mx. Granger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Palestine inaugurates first embassy in London following UK statehood recognition

The Palestinian ambassador to the UK raised his nation’s flag over the new Palestinian embassy in London on Monday, following the UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.

During the ceremony in Hammersmith, Ambassador Husam Zomlot presented the official signage for the diplomatic office, finalizing a political shift in the UK that began last year alongside Canada and Australia. He called the moment a historic “change of direction” toward Palestinian sovereignty.

The event materialized commitments made during UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announcement on September 21, which confirmed formal recognition while reiterating that “Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future.”

After the announcement, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the move was a necessary measure toward a two-state-solution for conflict between Israel and Palestine because “two states is the only path to security for both sides.” The government has framed this decision not just as a concession to Palestinian aspirations of independent nationhood, but as a strategic maneuver to support the New York Declaration endorsed by the UN General Assembly.

However, the decision continues to face domestic criticism from UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who has condemned the move as “rewarding terrorism.” Badenoch stated that the move delays hostage negotiations and sends the wrong signal while security threats persist.

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