Palestine’s ambassador to UK hails embassy as ‘proof our identity cannot be denied’ | Palestine
Palestine’s ambassador to the UK said the opening of the state’s embassy in London was “proof that our identity cannot be denied”.
Husam Zomlot praised the upgrade of the Palestine mission in Hammersmith, West London, as “historic” and “monumental”.
Speaking at a ceremony marking its inauguration as an embassy, he said: “This is not merely a change of name, and the plaque we will unveil shortly represents far more than formality.
“This is a change of direction that reflects the reality we live in today, a reality that ultimately unequivocally recognizes our inalienable right to be a sovereign state.
“For Palestinians in Gaza, the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, refugee camps, and the diaspora, this embassy represents proof that our identity cannot be denied, our existence cannot be erased, and our lives cannot be devalued.”
The upgrade of the embassy, formerly the Palestinian general delegation, follows the UK government’s decision in September to recognize the state of Palestine in a bid to “maintain the viability of a two-state solution” in the region.
Members of parliament, ambassadors and several hundred citizens attended the embassy’s flag-raising ceremony on September 22. Last month, Zomlot called for “comprehensive protection” of the embassy after it was targeted by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks. The building was defaced with stickers such as “I love IDF” [Israel Defense Forces]”, according to footage captured by security cameras.
On Monday, Zomlot said Britain’s recognition of the state of Palestine was the result of “100 years of relentless struggle”, but added that he felt “the shadow that hangs over us today” while people in Gaza are “living in hell”.
The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that 422 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire that came into force in October after two years of conflict. Much of the region is in ruins, and its population of more than 2 million lives mostly in makeshift homes or damaged buildings in areas where Israeli forces have withdrawn.
At Monday’s ceremony, the voice of 14-year-old Palestinian refugee Obaidah, who was injured during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza last year and evacuated to the UK for medical treatment, was also heard.
Obaidah said he hoped to one day become ambassador to Palestine, adding: “It means so much to have the embassy in the UK. This is a place where our people are seen, our voices are heard, where our hope for justice and dignity lives on.”
