Khaberni - More than three months after London recognized the state of Palestine, the Palestine Embassy in the United Kingdom was inaugurated on Monday, in an event described by Ambassador Husam Zomlot as a «historic moment».
Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot, who was the head of the Palestinian diplomatic mission, said: «Today we gathered to witness a historic moment: the inauguration of the State of Palestine's embassy in the United Kingdom with diplomatic status and full powers».
He considered the opening of this embassy to «represent a significant phase in British-Palestinian relations and in the Palestinian people's long journey towards freedom and self-determination».
He then unveiled the plaque «Embassy of the State of Palestine» that was raised on the building located in Hammersmith, west London.
Zomlot added: «For generations of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, and in refugee camps as well as throughout the diaspora, this embassy represents proof that our identity cannot be denied».
He continued that it is also a «promise to continue striving for a just and lasting peace, rooted in international law and universal values».
In turn, King Charles III’s representative Alistair Harrison announced that the opening of the embassy is a "historic moment for Palestine" and "the beginning of a significant change in bilateral relations, already close".
The United Kingdom officially recognized the state of Palestine in September, two years after a devastating war erupted in Gaza.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated at the time that he intended it to "revive hope for peace and a two-state solution". His decision was coordinated with other countries including France, Canada, and Australia, but it faced severe criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as a «reward for terrorism».
