Historic moment for British Palestinians as UK embassy opens in London

Palestinians in London celebrated the inauguration of the Palestinian embassy to the UK on Monday, marking an important milestone in relations between the two countries following two years of genocide in Gaza.

Ambassador Husam Zomlot unveiled a plaque outside the building, which previously served as the Palestinian mission to the UK, denoting its new status, after the UK recognised the State of Palestine in September.

Zomlot said the upgrade of the diplomatic mission in London is a vital step towards global acceptance of past wrongs against Palestinians, after a spate of countries, including the UK, formally recognised the State of Palestine last year.

Even more crucially, the inauguration of the London mission to embassy status is the realisation of the years of struggle endured by Palestinians who have worked towards this moment, particularly the diaspora in the UK.

"My friends, what a way to begin a new year together, marking a profound milestone in British-Palestinian relations, and in the Palestinian people's long journey to freedom and self-determination," Ambassador Zomlot told the crowd outside the West London mission.

"This is a day of hope, a day of steadfastness, a day that reminds the world that peace is not only possible - it is inevitable. When rooted in justice, in dignity, in equality and mutual recognition."

On 21 September, the UK announced it had formally recognised Palestine as part of a push by Western countries, including Canada and Australia, to save the two-state solution, following actions by the Israeli government to kill the process.

The move was also seen as a way of pressuring Israel to end the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and halt its genocide in Gaza, which saw at least 71,386 killed and almost the entire population displaced.

The UK played a defining historic role in Israel's occupation of Palestinian Territories, having agreed to the Balfour Declaration in 1917, a statement that supported a "national home for the Jewish people" in historic Palestine and also facilitated Jewish immigration to the territory during the mandate era.

Zomlot stated that the UK's recognition of the State of Palestine and the upgrade of its embassy in London mark a new chapter in relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and cooperation. 

"My friends, this embassy will not only serve as a bridge between our nations and our peoples, it will remind the world every single day that Palestine is here, Palestine endures, Palestine will be free," the ambassador said.

Zomlot honoured a 14-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, Obeida, who lost limbs in Israeli bombing and spoke about his hope for a better future for the people of Palestine.

"The (children of Palestine) have the same right to life and safety (as others), and for a future free from crimes and occupation," he told the crowd.

"I want to go back to Gaza, I want to rebuild my home... one day I hope to be an ambassador, maybe to the United Kingdom."