The embassy of Palestine was formally inaugurated in London in a brief ceremony on Monday, hailed by its ambassador as a “profound milestone” in British-Palestinian relations.
“We collect immediately to mark a historic second — the inauguration of the embassy of the State of Palestine to the UK, with full diplomatic standing and privileges,” stated Ambassador Husam Zomlot in a speech exterior what was beforehand generally known as the Palestinian Mission to the UK in west London.
The official upgrading of the mission to embassy standing got here after the UK introduced it might acknowledge the State of Palestine in September 2025, together with a number of different nations, together with Australia and Canada, at a time of main worldwide concern concerning the humanitarian state of affairs in Gaza.
@dawn.today The embassy of Palestine was formally inaugurated in London in a brief ceremony on Monday, hailed by its ambassador as a “profound milestone” in British-Palestinian relations. “We collect immediately to mark a historic second – the inauguration of the embassy of the State of Palestine to the UK, with full diplomatic standing and privileges,” stated Ambassador Husam Zomlot in a speech exterior what was beforehand generally known as the Palestinian Mission to the UK in west London. The official upgrading of the mission to embassy standing got here after the UK introduced it might acknowledge the State of Palestine in September 2025, together with a number of different nations, together with Australia and Canada, at a time of main worldwide concern concerning the humanitarian state of affairs in Gaza. By way of AFP Daybreak At this time
Sporting a conventional black and white keffiyeh scarf, Zomlot informed the ceremony that is “not merely a change of title”, however a “change of path” in the direction of Palestinian statehood.
“What a approach to begin a brand new 12 months collectively, marking a profound milestone within the British-Palestinian relations, and within the Palestinian individuals’s lengthy journey to freedom and self-determination,” Zomlot stated, earlier than unveiling the embassy’s new plaque.
“It is a day of hope, a day of steadfastness, and a day that reminds the world that peace just isn’t solely doable, it’s inevitable… when rooted in justice, dignity, equality and mutual recognition.”
The UK’s overseas ministry didn’t instantly reply to an AFP question on whether or not the UK deliberate to observe go well with by opening a British embassy within the Palestinian territories.
Talking simply after Zomlot at a lectern flanked by Palestinian and British nationwide flags, UK diplomatic consultant Alistair Harrison stated the event represented a “second of hope”.
“That is the start of a step change in our bilateral relationship,” he stated. “I want you ambassador, and your workforce, a really joyful keep in what’s now your embassy, and congratulations.”
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October in Gaza, following a devastating conflict waged by Israel following the occasions of October 7, 2023.
