Palestinian Flag Flying At London Representative Office After Historic Recognition

JAKARTA - Palestinian diplomats in London, England raised their country's flag on Monday to mark Britain's recognition of Palestine and declare it an important step in "long journey to justice, liberation, and sovereignty".

The ministers, MPs and diplomatic corps of the capital have gathered to congratulate the Palestinian Ambassador to Britain Husam Zomlot, along with members of the Palestinian community in London.

"In the same capital city as the Balfour declaration, after more than a century of denial, confiscation, and continued removal, the British government has finally taken long-delayed steps to recognize the Palestinian state," he said, accompanied by British Middle Eastern Minister Hamish Falconer and Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney. , reported The National September 22.

"International recognition is more than just a diplomatic gesture. This is an acknowledgment that Palestine has always, always, been a community land," said Ambassador Zomlot.

Furthermore, he thanked the "millions of people" in Britain who had taken to the streets "which turned London into the center of the movement for Palestine" and who "choose principles rather than politics".

"We will always remember how you stand by our side, in the right side of history," he said.

"To my people, the great and proud Palestinian people in Gaza, in Jerusalem, in Jenin, in refugee camps, in exile, this moment belongs to you," said Ambassador Zomlot with emotion.

Ambassador Zomlot the mission will be officially regarded as an embassy after several "laws and bureaucracy" are completed. Accompanied by cheers of joy, he raised the height of a placard with the words "Palestinian State Embassy", which will be placed in the building.

Meanwhile, Falconer's Minister acknowledged the confession "will not end suffering" in Gaza.

"This is not only support for the vision of the two countries, but also rejection of extremism on both sides," he said.

"This is also a tool to empower those negotiating for two countries," he added.

On that occasion he also urged Hamas to strip off his gun. People shouted "imal to you" and "stop arming Israel" as Falconer spoke.

Meanwhile, Minister Swinney agreed further sanctions against Israel were needed. He also asked Britain to join the South African case against Israel at the International Court and committed to carrying out an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

"I have emphasized that Britain's recognition of the Palestinian State should be unconditional, but this decision recognizes Britain's solemn and historic responsibility to everyone in the region," he said.

"Although this announcement is good news, this is just the first step towards the realization of a two-state solution," he continued.

"I urge the UK Government to take further action to speed up peace, including continuing to call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of free-flowing aid," he said.

Britain together with Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced the recognition of the Palestinian State on Sunday, highlighting the alarming situation in the Gaza Strip and pushing for a two-state peaceful solution.