Armenia has officially recognized the state of Palestine, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.
“Reaffirming its commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” the statement read.
The ministry noted that Armenia had previously supported UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians since last October. It also condemned Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure and violence against civilians.
In response to Armenia’s recognition, Israel’s foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador for a reprimand. “Following Armenia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador in Israel for a severe reprimand,” Israel’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, welcomed Armenia’s decision. “This is a victory for right, justice, legitimacy, and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence,” Al-Sheikh said on social media. “Thank you, our friend Armenia.”
This announcement comes a month after Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized the state of Palestine. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, “Recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice. It is also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.”
These European countries believe their initiative has a strong symbolic impact, likely encouraging others to follow suit. “It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognize as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future: a Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace and security.”
Israel condemned the actions of the Western states and recalled its ambassadors from those nations.
Seven other European countries, including Sweden, have already recognized Palestinian statehood, and many countries and international bodies have praised the trio for their stance.
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