Palestine’s ambassador calls for better security after masked men target London embassy | London

The Palestinian ambassador to the UK has called for “comprehensive protection” after his embassy was targeted by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks.

Husam Zomlot made the call after the group posed at the entrance to the embassy in Hammersmith, west London, last Saturday. The building was defaced with stickers such as “I love IDF” [Israel Defense Forces]”, according to footage captured by security cameras.

The embassy held the flag-raising ceremony on September 22, after Britain recognized the state of Palestine. The building previously served as the Palestinian mission in England. Despite the change of status giving it a higher profile, there have been no changes to security arrangements and there are fears for the safety of staff.

Another demonstration was planned for Friday, with a Facebook post saying: “A hardline Zionist group has decided it’s time for direct action to challenge the haters and give them a taste of their own medicine. Bring your Union jack, Israeli flags and megaphones.”

Zomlot said: “We make it clear to those responsible that your actions will not deter us. We will continue to improve Palestine-UK relations and defend the rights and lives of the Palestinian people.

“We have formally requested the British authorities to provide immediate and comprehensive protection to our embassy and staff against such attacks. We call on them to fully investigate this incident and hold those responsible for this and other incidents accountable.”

In 2023, while it was still a Palestinian mission, staff reported four attacks, including vandalism, within a few weeks. They also said there were death threats. Officials said the failure to provide diplomatic protection was “inexplicable and unacceptable”.

Other stickers left by the group last Saturday included “Anti-Zionism is racism” and one featuring a star of David on a union jack and the slogan “We are not Jews trembling at the knees,” according to images released by the embassy.

In accordance with article 22 vienna convention on diplomatic relationsThe host state “is under the special duty to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to take all necessary steps to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or injury to the dignity of the mission”.

The embassy described last Saturday’s incident as “a clear violation of diplomatic law and customs and the rules of international law.”

The post advertising Friday’s demonstration read: “We call for an end to Hamas and PIJ [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] Terrorism will last forever.” The Palestinian Authority has nothing to do with either group.

Palestinian diplomatic missions in other countries, including France, are understood to have permanent security and, in some cases, close guard for the ambassador.

Embassies and ambassadors in London have different levels of protection depending on the perceived risk they face. Many have no police presence, but some, such as the Israeli embassy, ​​have increased protection against specialist officers. Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East following the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the Palestinian embassy falls into the first category.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: “We take the safety and security of the diplomatic community extremely seriously. Security arrangements at diplomatic premises, overseen by the Met’s parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, are based on a risk assessment and are constantly reviewed.”