Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot calls for protection after embassy targeted

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, urged for protection for the London embassy after the building was targeted by masked men waving the Israeli flag and Union Jacks.

The ambassador said "comprehensive protection" was needed after the men gathered around the entrance to the embassy, located in Hammersmith, and vandalised the site with stickers.

"To those responsible, we clearly say your actions will not deter us. We will continue to advance Palestine-UK relations and defend the rights and lives of the Palestinian people," he continued.

He added that he has formally requested that the British authorities provide protection for the embassy and its staff from future attacks.

"We call on them to investigate this incident fully and hold those responsible accountable for this incident and other incidents," he said.

Images captured by security cameras at the site show some of the stickers reading "I love the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]," which comes as Israel continues to strike the Gaza Strip despite a fragile ceasefire in place. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 70,000 Palestinians since the start of the war on the enclave, which started in October 2023.

Last week, stickers posted by the same group read: "Anti-Zionism is racism" and "we are not Jews trembling at our knees".

The targeting of the embassy coincided with posts online planning a demonstration at the location on Friday.

One post on Facebook reads: "A hardcore group of Zionists have decided it’s time for direct action to challenge the haters and give them a taste of their own medicine. Bring your Union Jack and Israeli flags and your megaphones."

Earlier this month, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Palestinian embassy following Britain’s recognition of the Palestinian state. However, reports note that despite the recognition, no further arrangements have been made for the security of the building or its workers.

In 2023, at least four attacks were reported by staff at the Palestinian mission.

The Vienna convention on diplomatic relations says that the host state is "under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity".