For Palestinians under bombardment, statehood recognition alone is not liberation
Outside the Palestinian mission in London; history in the making, the iconic Palestinian flag raised, preceded by an impassioned speech of the country's Ambassador flanked by British politicians.
This moment is not only about Palestine, it is also about Britain and the British government's solemn responsibility.
It is about ending the denial of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to freedom and self-determination, and it is an acknowledgement of a historic injustice.
Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to UK
The ceremony follows the UK's recognition of Palestine as a state, aligning Britain with more than 140 countries worldwide.
This is now officially the Palestinian Embassy in London, having raised the country's flag for the first time since the UK's recognition of the country.
It is a symbolic but powerful moment, the participants here say, one that affirms a nation's struggle for self-determination that has gone on for far too long.
But beyond symbolism, questions remain.
With the genocide in Gaza ongoing, the West Bank under occupation, and Britain's continued arms sales to Israel, does recognition actually mean anything?
The British government recognizing Palestine carries with it responsibilities; responsibility not to supply arms to Israel, responsibilities not to share military information with Israel, and a demand, which we will be intensively making, for full economic sanctions against Israel, including all trade embargoes, until the occupation ends.
Jeremy Corbyn, MP
In the run-up to the recognition announcement, a YouGov poll found less than half of Britons saying recognition was a good idea, while only 18% disagreed.
I can understand the skepticism and cynicism with the history of this whole area, so I can understand that completely.
My role as a parliamentarian and the people that I represent, and which are the good people of this country, and millions of them, will now ensure that they utilize this position to take it to the next step.
Shockat Adam, Member of Parliament
At the same time, there are other voices in Britain, like those at this debate in Birmingham, who say, while recognition was long overdue, the only way forward is one state, not two.
The two-state proposition is clearly a Zionist talking point. It's designed to kick the can down the road, to continually kick the can down the road, to never, ever be in a situation where such a notion could ever be brought into existence.
Chris Williamson, British Politician
For supporters here today is about hope, solidarity and international legitimacy. For Palestinians under bombardment, it's a reminder that recognition alone is not liberation.
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