Following Britain’s historic recognition of the State of Palestine, the Palestinian flag was hoisted over the embassy in London, marking a symbolic moment of support for Palestinian self-determination and peace in the region.

London witnessed a historic moment as the Palestinian flag was raised over the Palestinian Embassy following the UK government’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine.

Speaking at the ceremony, UK Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer described the recognition as “a historic decision reflecting strong support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”

Falconer added that Britain remains committed to the “two-state solution,” stressing that recognition is not just symbolic but also a clear declaration of intent to end violence and pursue lasting peace. He further noted that the UK would support Palestinian reforms, state-building efforts, and the protection of “equal civil and religious rights for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister John Swinney condemned what he described as “a genocide that must be stopped immediately” in Palestine, urging the UK government to take stronger action against the occupation and to protect the Palestinian people. Swinney welcomed the recognition as an important milestone for Palestinians, emphasizing that the next step must be ensuring the State of Palestine’s genuine presence on the ground.

With this decision, the number of UN member states recognizing the State of Palestine—first declared in Algiers in 1988 by the late leader Yasser Arafat—rose to 153.

Israel, however, continues to occupy Palestinian territories as well as parts of Syria and Lebanon, refusing to withdraw or to accept an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a campaign in Gaza—described by rights groups and international bodies as genocide—carried out with U.S. and European support. This campaign has included mass killings, starvation, destruction, displacement, and mass arrests, despite international calls and rulings by the International Court of Justice demanding a cease in hostilities.

As a result, more than 232,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, most of them women and children. Over 11,000 remain missing, while thousands—primarily children—have died of hunger. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and vast parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble. (ILKHA)