Palestine Embassy Opens In London, A Symbol Of Statehood

London now hosts Palestine’s embassy — a move the Palestinian ambassador called both historic and deeply meaningful. The upgrade in Hammersmith marks a formal step Britain took in September when it recognised a Palestinian state to try to safeguard the two-state idea. Husam Zomlot told guests the new embassy is more than a cosmetic relabel: it signals a shift in direction and recognition of Palestine’s right to sovereign statehood. He said the building stands as tangible confirmation that Palestinian identity and presence cannot be ignored after generations scattered across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, refugee camps and the wider diaspora. The September flag-raising in Hammersmith drew MPs, foreign envoys and a few hundred members of the public. The ceremony on Monday also included a personal reminder of the recent conflict: Obaidah, a 14-year-old Palestinian refugee who was injured during bombing in Gaza and evacuated to the UK for treatment, spoke of the embassy as a place where Palestinians feel visible, heard and able to hold on to hope for justice and dignity. Zomlot framed Britain’s recognition as the outcome of around a century of determined struggle, while also acknowledging a grim present. He warned that the joy of formal recognition sits alongside the human cost in Gaza, where he said people are enduring terrible conditions. According to Gaza’s health ministry, 422 Palestinians have died since a ceasefire came into effect in October, after two years of fighting. Much of the territory remains devastated; more than two million residents are living largely in damaged buildings or makeshift shelters in areas from which Israeli forces have withdrawn. Security has been a concern. Last month the embassy was targeted by masked men who reportedly waved Israeli flags and union jacks and left pro-military stickers on the building, according to security-camera images. Zomlot has urged comprehensive protection for the mission in response. The embassy opening is both symbolic and practical: it gives Palestinians a fixed presence in the UK where their claims and suffering can be represented, and it offers the diaspora a focal point for identity and advocacy. For many, it will feel like official recognition at last — a small, concrete change that carries a much larger emotional weight. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article