𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐊 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ‘𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’

 By Rory Challands, Aljazeera, 22 Sep 2025

Reporting from London, UK

Husam Zomlot, the new Palestinian ambassador to the UK, gave an impassioned speech in front of what is now officially the Palestinian embassy.

In his speech, he said the UK has a unique role in the Middle East because of its colonial history, because of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which laid the pathway for the creation of Israel.

He said the decision by the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood has been long overdue, adding it comes with a solemn responsibility for the UK government. It shouldn’t just be a diplomatic gesture.

This is about carrying on, trying to achieve a Palestinian state, trying to bring an end to the war in Gaza. He said there should be a halt to the genocide, an end to the occupation and impunity, a reversal of illegal settlements and an upholding of international law, as well as sanctions and an arms embargo.

He finished his speech by thanking everyone in this country who has been coming out onto the streets of British cities, marching for Palestinian statehood, and championing the cause.