Speaking at the event, Ambassador Husam Zomlot said the opening marked the embassy of the State of Palestine to the United Kingdom with full diplomatic status and privileges. The building was previously known as the Palestinian Mission to the UK.

Wearing a traditional black and white keffiyeh, he called it “not merely a change of name” but a “change of direction” towards Palestinian statehood.

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He said the inauguration marked a hopeful start to the year and reflected the Palestinian people’s long struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Zomlot later unveiled the new embassy plaque. “This is a day of hope, a day of steadfastness, and a day that reminds the world that peace is not only possible, it is also inevitable … when rooted in justice, dignity, equality, and mutual recognition.”

The move followed the UK’s announcement that it would recognize the State of Palestine in September 2025. Several other countries, including Australia and Canada, made similar announcements amid growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The UK foreign ministry did not immediately confirm whether Britain plans to open its own embassy in the Palestinian territories.

UK diplomatic representative Alistair Harrison also addressed the ceremony. Standing beside Palestinian and British flags, he said the event represented a “moment of hope”.

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He added that the opening marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations and congratulated the ambassador and his team on the embassy’s inauguration.

The ceremony comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place in Gaza following months of conflict that began after the events of October 7, 2023.