London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot urges better security after masked men targeted the London embassy, calling the protest a breach of diplomatic law.
As reported by The Guardian, following an attack by masked men carrying Israeli flags and union jacks, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK called on the authorities for full security measures at his embassy.
What did Husam Zomlot say about the London embassy attack?
Husam Zomlot issued the request after a protest at the Palestinian embassy entrance in Hammersmith, west London, on Saturday, 29 November.Images from security cameras showed the embassy covered in stickers reading “I love the IDF [Israel Defense Forces].
Another demonstration was scheduled for Friday, with a Facebook post announcing the planned protest, stating,
“A hardcore group of Zionists have decided it’s time for direct action to challenge the haters and give them a taste of their own medicine. Bring your union jack and Israeli flags and your megaphones.”
It added,
“We’re calling for an end to Hamas and PIJ [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] terrorism once and for all.” The Palestinian Authority has nothing to do with either group.”
Mr Zomlot said,
“To those responsible, we clearly say your actions will not deter us. We will continue to advance Palestine-UK relations and defend the rights and lives of the Palestinian people.”
Calling for tighter security measures, he stated,
“We have formally requested the British authorities to provide immediate and comprehensive protection for the embassy and our personnel from such attacks. We call on them to investigate this incident fully and hold those responsible accountable for this incident and other incidents.”
The embassy shared pictures showing that the group left further stickers last Saturday, including one reading “Anti-Zionism is racism” and another depicting the Star of David over the Union Jack with the slogan,
“We are not Jews trembling at the knees.”
It labelled last Saturday’s incident as
“a flagrant breach of diplomatic laws and customs and the rules of international law.”
How did the Metropolitan police respond to the Palestinian embassy security concerns?
A Metropolitan police spokesperson said,
“We take the security and safety of the diplomatic community extremely seriously. Security arrangements at diplomatic premises, overseen by the Met’s parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, are based on an assessment of risk and are constantly reviewed.”
What security measures protect diplomatic missions in London?
Article 22 of the Vienna Convention requires a host state to
“take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity.”
Palestinian diplomatic missions in other nations, including France, are reported to have permanent security, with some providing close protection for the ambassador.Security for embassies in London varies according to perceived threats. Many have no police coverage, while others, including the Israeli embassy, have enhanced protection. The Palestinian embassy falls into the lower-security category despite ongoing Middle East tensions after the Gaza ceasefire.
When did the UK formally recognize Palestine as an independent state?
The UK officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state in September, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing the decision as a symbolic move to promote peace in the region and ease domestic political unrest.The Prime Minister stressed the UK’s decision was not a concession to Hamas, warning that senior members would face upcoming sanctions, be excluded from a reformed Palestinian government, and that all Israeli hostages must be released.
Mr Starmer said,
“The hope of a two-state solution is fading but we cannot let that light go out … Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.”
The Labour leader added,
“In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither.”
Commenting on the decision, Husam Zomlot said,
“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.”
When did the Gaza-Israel ceasefire take effect?
The most recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire began on October 10, 2025. The truce was secured through mediation led by the United States, with Qatar and Egypt serving as key mediatorsThe ceasefire is currently in its first phase, which involves a halt to major fighting and a hostage-prisoner exchange. However, Qatari mediators have stated that this is currently a “pause” and that a complete ceasefire requires a full Israeli withdrawal and stability in Gaza.