The Palestinian flag was raised outside what is now Palestine's embassy in central London, marking Britain's formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The ceremony followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark announcement of the UK's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, with Canada and Australia taking similar coordinated steps.

Palestine's Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, addressed a crowd gathered outside the building that previously served as the Palestine Mission to the UK. "We are gathered today in front of the Palestinian Mission to the UK here in London to mark a historic moment," said Zomlot, noting that the recognition comes "in the same capital of the Balfour Declaration, after more than a century of ongoing denial, dispossession and erasure."

The ambassador held up a plaque reading 'The Embassy of the State of Palestine' that will soon be mounted on the building pending legal and bureaucratic work. Zomlot described the moment as "not only about Palestine, it is also about Britain and the British government's solemn responsibility" and "an acknowledgement of a historic injustice." The small team at the mission erupted in cheers upon hearing the announcement.

Zomlot, who was born in a refugee camp in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, reflected on the significance of the moment, calling it "a South Africa moment for Palestine" in reference to the end of South Africa's apartheid government. He stated that recognition represents "an act of assurances to the Palestinian people that they hope for a better future and ... peace is possible," emphasizing that "Palestine exists, it has always existed and it always will."

Police in Newry are investigating a violent altercation that occurred outside the Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Francis Street on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a group of young males, took place at approximately 5:40 pm on October 18, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the disturbance, including two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of multiple offenses, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two of the detained males, aged 16 and 17, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries, while the other 17-year-old was released unconditionally. The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation that began at the shopping center and continued onto the adjacent street.

Authorities are particularly concerned about a male youth believed to have been assaulted during the incident who left the scene before officers arrived. Inspector Ritchie stated that police have concerns for the individual's wellbeing and are urging him to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Ardmore police station quoting reference number 1120 of 18/10/25.