LONDON: During a meeting with British doctors in London on Monday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas commended the UK authorities for their plan to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this month.

Several British medical professionals have worked in Palestinian hospitals during the ongoing Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past nearly two years, which senior EU officials recently described as genocidal acts.

Abbas acknowledged the dedication of these doctors and announced that the Palestinian government will present them with medals for their service to humanity, according to the Wafa news agency.

The president arrived in Britain on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit, during which he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the newly appointed foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper.

Their discussions are expected to cover efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Abbas also stated that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to take on responsibilities in postwar Gaza and provide essential services during recovery and reconstruction in the territory.

The UK government has previously announced its intention to officially recognize Palestine as a state during this month's UN gathering, contingent upon Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and engaging in discussions over a two-state solution to the wider conflict with Palestinians.

Abbas will further discuss with Starmer 'efforts for the upcoming international conference on the two-state solution ...

as well as the anticipated British recognition of the State of Palestine,' as reported by Wafa.