Scottish Prime Minister Demands Immediate Action
Scotland’s First Minister hailed the recognition as “a significant moment for the Palestinian people,” though he described it as “long overdue.” In an interview with Al Jazeera, he called on the U.K. government to take strong measures to pressure Israel, asserting that the recognition must serve as a tool to protect Palestinians from the ongoing Israeli genocide.
“There is a genocide being carried out by Israel, and it must be stopped immediately,” he declared, urging that the next step must be the practical realization of a Palestinian state.
Germany Reaffirms Commitment to Two-State Solution
Meanwhile, the German government reiterated its support for a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing that the two-state solution remains the only viable path forward. The German Foreign Ministry warned against abandoning this framework, calling it “unacceptable” despite the difficulties of negotiation.
CAGE International: U.K. Recognition a ‘Whitewash’ of Complicity
U.K.-based advocacy group CAGE International issued a scathing critique, accusing Britain of attempting to whitewash its historical complicity in the crisis. “The U.K. government’s recognition of Palestine comes 77 years too late,” said Anas Mustapha, Head of Public Advocacy. He argued that the move lacks accountability for Britain’s role in establishing the Israeli settler colonial entity.
Mustapha added that Israel’s actions have “shattered any prospect of a workable two-state solution,” and called instead for the dismantling of the Israeli apartheid regime to ensure justice and dignity for Palestinians.
Ambassador Zomlot: A Defiant Act of Truth
At a ceremony in central London, Palestine’s ambassador to the U.K., Husam Zomlot, described the recognition as an effort to “right historic wrongs” and commit to a future based on “freedom, dignity and fundamental human rights.” He spoke of the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, condemning the Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing, and state-sponsored terrorism.
“This moment stands as a defiant act of truth,” Zomlot said. “A refusal to let genocide be the final word; a refusal to accept that occupation is permanent.”
Palestinian Flag Raised in London
In a symbolic gesture, the Palestinian flag was raised outside what is now officially Palestine’s embassy in London. Zomlot led the ceremony, saying the flag’s colors represent mourning, hope, land, and sacrifice. “We raise it as a pledge that Palestine will live, Palestine will rise and Palestine will be free,” he declared.
Voices from Gaza: A Flicker of Hope
Residents of Gaza expressed cautious hope that the recognition might lead to real change. “We have waited a long time for this,” said Wafa Alwan, a Gaza resident. “Palestine deserves to be acknowledged, and our people deserve the right to lead a normal life.”
Abed Allah Tayah, another resident in Gaza, added, “We hope this will not merely be a political gesture. We expect practical measures to ensure the realization of the Palestinian state and prevent further displacement.”
As the international community reacts, the recognition of Palestine by the U.K. and other Western nations has reignited urgent debates about justice, accountability, and the future of peace in the region.
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
