RAMALLAH, October 8, 2026 (WAFA) — The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Thursday condemned Israeli decisions and measures targeting the British Consulate General in Jerusalem and its staff.

In a statement, the ministry said the measures constituted an attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied city, interfere in the work of diplomatic missions and their relations with the State of Palestine, and penalize the United Kingdom for its positions supporting Palestinian rights and a two-state solution based on international law.

The ministry stressed that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine. It said Israel, as the occupying power, does not have sovereignty over the city and has no right to alter its legal and historical status or impose unilateral measures targeting the international diplomatic presence there.

The ministry affirmed the United Kingdom's right to continue operating its consulate general in Jerusalem, maintain its historic presence and independent role in serving the Palestinian people, and strengthen bilateral relations with the State of Palestine.

It also called for the restoration of the previous legal status of the British Consulate General in Jerusalem, stressing that any current arrangements must not be considered a change to the legal status of East Jerusalem as occupied territory or interpreted as acceptance of any Israeli claim to sovereignty over the city.

The ministry welcomed the British government's reaffirmation that it rejects any Israeli legal claim to close the consulate and maintains its position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. It also welcomed Britain's commitment to continue applying international law through expanded sanctions targeting the occupation and illegal settlement system.

The ministry further welcomed Britain's confirmation that the consulate's premises in Jerusalem would not be closed and that the United Kingdom would continue providing vital services and working with the Palestinian people, while maintaining its presence in Jerusalem and its role in supporting a two-state solution based on international legitimacy.

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