Palestinian Flag Raised at Mission in London as Britain Warns Israel Against Annexing Parts of West Bank

International Voice – September 22, 2025

The Palestinian flag was raised at the Palestinian Mission in London on Monday, as British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned Israel against annexing parts of the West Bank in response to Britain’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Husam Zomlot said raising the Palestinian flag “does not represent the end of our struggle, but it is a new step toward freedom,” adding that after a century of denial, the British government had taken the step of recognizing the State of Palestine.

Zomlot described the recognition as “a historic moment and a challenge for truth,” as well as a rejection of genocide, occupation and attempts to erase Palestinian identity.

He added that international recognition goes beyond a diplomatic initiative, representing an acknowledgment that Palestine has always been the land of the Palestinian people, whom he described as possessing unparalleled resilience and courage.

Zomlot also pointed to the arrival of 34 students from Gaza to continue their studies in London after studying, working hard and achieving success despite genocide, hunger and fear. He described this as an example of the spirit of Palestine and its people and their determination to build a promising future.

Separately, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that recognizing a Palestinian state was the best way to ensure the security of both Israel and the Palestinians.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had announced on Sunday the United Kingdom’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine, alongside Canada, Australia and Portugal, in a move described as “historic.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the moves, saying they amounted to “a huge reward to terrorism.”

Asked whether she was concerned that Israel might use the announcement as a justification to annex parts of the West Bank, Cooper said she had made clear to her Israeli counterpart that he and his government should not do so.

Cooper added that extremists on both sides were seeking to abandon any prospect of a two-state solution, which she said the United Kingdom had “a moral responsibility to revive.”

“Just as we recognize Israel, the State of Israel… we also have to recognize the rights of Palestinians to a state of their own,” she said.

Starmer’s announcement coincided with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Alongside Britain, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine, while other countries were expected to follow, including Luxembourg, San Marino, Belgium, Andorra, France and Malta, bringing the number of UN member states recognizing the State of Palestine to 153 out of 193.