Palestine's ambassador to UK hails embassy as proof our identity cannot be denied'

"This is not merely a change of name, and the plaque we will unveil shortly represents far more than formality. It is a change of direction, reflecting the reality we are living today, a reality that unequivocally recognises, at long last, our inalienable right to sovereign statehood. For generations of Palestinians in Gaza, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in refugee camps and across the diaspora, this embassy represents proof that our identity cannot be denied, our presence cannot be erased, and our lives cannot be devalued."

"The upgrading of the embassy, formally the Palestinian general delegation, follows the UK government's decision in September to recognise the state of Palestine in an effort to protect the viability of a two-state solution in the region. The embassy's flag-raising ceremony on 22 September was attended by MPs, ambassadors and a couple of hundred members of the public. Last month, Zomlot called for comprehensive protection of the embassy after it was targeted by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks."

"On Monday, Zomlot said Britain's recognition of the Palestinian state was the result of 100 years of relentless struggle, but added that he felt the shadow that hangs over us today as people in Gaza were living in hell. Gaza's health ministry says 422 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect in October after two years of conflict. Most of the territory is in ruins, with its population of more than 2 million people living mainly in makeshift home"

The inauguration of Palestine's embassy in Hammersmith, west London, upgrades the mission from a general delegation to a full embassy and signals recognition of Palestinian sovereign statehood and identity. The upgrade follows the UK government's September decision to recognise the state of Palestine to help protect the viability of a two-state solution. A flag-raising ceremony on 22 September was attended by MPs, ambassadors and members of the public. The building was later targeted and defaced by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks, prompting calls for comprehensive protection. Gaza faces severe devastation and humanitarian suffering, with 422 Palestinians reported killed since the October ceasefire and most of the territory in ruins, leaving over 2 million people living mainly in makeshift homes.

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