Ramallah: President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the announcement by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of his official recognition of the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. Abbas praised the United Kingdom’s recognition, stressing that it constitutes an important and necessary step towards achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Abbas emphasized that British recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, freedom, and independence will pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution. This would allow the State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighborliness.

The Palestinian President highlighted that the priority today is a ceasefire, the entry of aid, the release of all hostages and prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the State of Palestine assuming its full responsibilities, the pursuit of recovery and reconstruction, and an end to settlement activity and settler terrorism.

Abbas reiterated all the commitments and reforms undertaken by the State of Palestine during his visit to Britain and his meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

For his part, Vice President of the State of Palestine, Hussein al-Sheikh, expressed gratitude, stating, “The international victory came for justice, rights, suffering, displacement, and oppression. The world is triumphant for its humanity, justice, peace, and the right of peoples to self-determination. Thank you, Britain, Canada, and Australia, for recognizing the State of Palestine. This is a historic day in the life of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights. It is the fruit of your patience, steadfastness, resilience, and sacrifices, the great people of Palestine.”