Cheers, hugs at Palestine mission as UK recognises statehood

As Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Britain’s landmark decision to recognise the State of Palestine on Sunday, the small team in the Palestinian mission to the UK erupted in cheers of joy.

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“This is a historic moment,” beamed Palestinian envoy to the UK Husam Zomlot, watching the televised announcement at the mission in west London.

Canada and Australia took the same step in a coordinated decision marking a pivotal shift in Western foreign policy, with Israel under increasing international pressure over its deadly war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“This is a South Africa moment for Palestine,” the head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK told AFP in the building, which will soon be designated as Palestine’s embassy in Britain.