Jerusalem, Oct. 8 -- Most diplomats have left the UK consulate after "it ended operations" in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel said on Thursday, October 8, while Britain maintained that its "mission" will remain to work with the Palestinians.

The UK consulate building in occupied Jerusalem will not shut down; instead, it will operate as the "UK Mission" from today, said UK Foreign Minister Ed Miliband. He reiterated the British government's "long-standing" view that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.

"The UK Mission is independent, operational and will continue to deliver vital services and work with the Palestinian people," the minister said. Miliband clarified that the UK temporarily withdrew some staff and families from the city to...