The Embassy of the state of Palestine has officially opened in the UK, marking what the Palestinian ambassador to London hailed as a “historic moment”.
Speaking at the inauguration in Hammersmith, west London, on Monday, Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, said the embassy’s establishment “marked a profound milestone in the British-Palestinian relations”.
It comes after the UK officially recognised Palestine as an independent state back in September, against the backdrop of Israel’s two-year war against Hamas militants in Gaza which saw tens of thousands killed.
“We gather today to mark a historic moment, the inauguration of the embassy of the state of Palestine to the United Kingdom – with full diplomatic status and privileges, a symbol of our people’s inalienable right for sovereign statehood and equality among nations,” Mr Zomlot said.
“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.”
“For a people denied self determination for over a century, this is a monumental moment.”
Follow our channel and never miss an update
Read more:
Israel suspends 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza
‘Working on this film gave me panic attacks’ – Watch
In recognising Palestine as a state, the UK did so based on 1967 borders to be finalised as part of future negotiations.
The UK also acknowledged “all legal rights and obligations of statehood” for Palestine.
Following the unveiling of the new embassy’s plaque, Alistair Harrison, marshal of the diplomatic corps, echoed Mr Zamlot’s comments, saying the embassy’s opening was a “historic moment for Palestine”.
He said it was a “very important moment in the relationship between our two countries”, before adding: “This is the beginning of a step change in our bilateral relationship”.
Obaidah, a 14-year-old Palestinian from Gaza attending the inauguration, said: “I survived the genocide, but my body carries deep wounds”.
He said part of his family was in the UK, but his father was still in Gaza “where life is still full of fear”.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Obaidah said: “One day I hope to be an ambassador, maybe even to the United Kingdom, so I can work to help my people and make our voices heard all over the world.
“Today is a special day, this recognition of the state of Palestine by the United Kingdom is very important, but it is not only about recognition, it’s about the embassy, about having a piece of Palestine here in London.”
He said the embassy in the UK is “a place where our people are seen, where our voices are heard and where our hope for justice and dignity live”.
Obaidah continued: “Recognition doesn’t ease the suffering and it does not heal every wound, but it gives us a voice, it gives the children like me a chance to live, to learn and the dream of a life where we can grow without fear, where families are safe and where all the children of Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Palestine can live with dignity and hope.”
