Head of the Palestine Mission to the UK, Husam Zomlot gives an interview to AFP. AFP
In a press statement released on 21 September 2025, Zomlot described the recognition as more than a diplomatic gesture, stressing that it was Britain's "fulfillment of a solemn responsibility" and a decisive break from a history of denial of Palestinian rights.
"Today is not just about Palestine but about Britain's fulfillment of a solemn responsibility," Zomlot said. "This long-overdue recognition marks an end to Britain's denial of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination, freedom, and independence in our homeland."
"It marks an irreversible step towards justice, peace, and the correction of historic wrongs, including Britain's colonial legacy, the Balfour Declaration, and its role in the dispossession of the Palestinian people," he added.
The ambassador highlighted the gravity of the moment amid Israel's nearly two-year war on Gaza, recognised by the UN as genocide and famine, alongside Israeli occupation and forced expulsions of Palestinians in the West Bank—conditions rights groups say amount to apartheid and ethnic cleansing.
"Today's decision by the United Kingdom to recognise the State of Palestine comes amidst Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank," he said. Zomlot, however, stressed that recognition alone would not be enough and must be followed by concrete measures to end the violence and occupation.
"Recognition must now be followed by action. This foundational step must translate into immediate, concrete, and consequential measures to acknowledge and halt the genocide, end the occupation and the culture of impunity that sustains it, reverse the expansion of illegal settlements, and uphold international law," he said.
"This includes the adoption of comprehensive sanctions, a full arms embargo, and accountability for those responsible for war crimes."
Expressing gratitude for the UK government's decision, Zomlot thanked the British people and Members of Parliament who supported the move.
"We thank the UK government for taking this significant step towards peace and justice, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom and Members of Parliament whose steadfast support made this moment possible," he said.
For Zomlot, the recognition represents a victory borne out of more than a century of Palestinian struggle.
"Above all, this moment belongs to the people of Palestine. It is the fruit of more than a century of struggle, sacrifice, steadfastness, and love of our homeland. It is because of their resilience that the State of Palestine is being recognised here today," he said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador framed this recognition as the start of a new chapter for Palestinians.
"Today marks the opening of a new chapter. We will continue to work, with partners in the UK and around the world, towards the realisation of a free, sovereign, and thriving State of Palestine and the fulfillment of all the rights of our people: freedom, equality, and a just resolution for Palestinian refugees in accordance with international law," he concluded.
Short link: