The Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, has called for “comprehensive protection” after his embassy in Hammersmith, west London, was targeted by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks last Saturday. Security camera images showed the building defaced with stickers including “I love the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”.
The embassy had its flag-raising ceremony on 22 September following Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state, raising its profile but without a corresponding increase in security. Staff now fear for their safety, with another demonstration planned for Friday advertised on Facebook as “direct action”.
Zomlot stated: “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.” He formally requested the British authorities to provide immediate and full protection and to investigate the incident.
Under Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, host states have a “special duty” to protect diplomatic premises. The embassy described last Saturday’s incident as a “flagrant breach of diplomatic laws and customs”. In 2023, when it was still a mission, staff reported four attacks and death threats.
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.”
