Palestinian mission in London upgraded to embassy status

(Web Desk): For the first time, the Palestinian flag has been hoisted at the Palestinian embassy in London following the recognition of the State of Palestine by the United Kingdom and several other Western countries.

According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, called the move a step toward correcting historical injustices and progressing toward a future based on freedom and dignity.

He emphasized that this recognition comes at a time when Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation, bombings, and are buried under rubble, while in the West Bank, state oppression and land confiscations continue.

“This moment is a refusal to let genocide be the final word,” Zomlot said.

On the other hand, human rights organization CAGE International described the UK’s move as a “belated symbolic gesture,” stating that Western countries are attempting to cover up their complicity in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.

According to the organization, a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue is only possible through the end of Israeli occupation and the dismantling of its apartheid system.

Civilians in Gaza called the recognition a “ray of hope,” but also urged the international community to go beyond symbolic statements and take concrete action to stop the genocide and ensure Palestinians' right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, France is set to recognize the Palestinian state today, with the Eiffel Tower’s digital screens displaying the flags of both Palestine and Israel, symbolizing support for a two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that “all lives in Gaza are equal,” and noted that while Israel has killed several Hamas leaders, it has failed to eliminate the group, calling Israel’s strategy “a failure.”

In contrast, the Israeli military claimed it had killed Iyad Abu Yousuf, the deputy head of Hamas’ naval police, during an airstrike in Gaza. According to the IDF, he was involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Earlier today, at least 29 Palestinians were killed in various parts of Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, including 25 in Gaza City alone, according to medical sources who spoke to Al Jazeera.