A collected photo of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories, Sept 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Sunday that Britain's recognition of a Palestinian state was a necessary step toward lasting peace in the region.

"His excellency praised the United Kingdom's recognition of the independent State of Palestine, affirming that it constitutes an important and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy," Abbas's office said in a statement.