Palestinian Authority urges diplomatic missions be protected after threats, attacks

The Palestinian Authority has urged governments to protect its diplomatic missions abroad as they have been receiving threats ever since the start of Israel's war on Gaza.

A statement released by the Palestinian mission in London said attacks against ambassadors, diplomats, and staff members have already taken place.

"The degree of incitement against Palestinian diplomats caused by the exceptional circumstances of the Israeli occupation’s destructive war has reached unprecedented levels," the statement said.

It added that "several" missions had already been attacked and vandalised, with staff receiving death threats.

Some governments – but not all – have taken action to step up protection after being contacted by Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki, the statement added.

It blamed the UK for not bolstering security outside the Palestine mission in London, despite British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak having been contacted directly.

The Palestinian foreign ministry said it "holds the British government responsible for the safety of the Palestinian ambassador, mission staff, and Palestinian property in London for any harm that might occur."

The New Arab has contacted the Palestinian ambassador to London for comment.

Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza Strip, launched on 7 October, has killed nearly 8,80o people, including over 3,600 children.

It began a ground invasion late last week and continues to strike across the enclave with the stated aim of eradicating Hamas, despite international calls for a ceasefire and concerns that the war could expand to become a regional conflict.