Reaffirming its commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, Armenia recognises the State of Palestine, Armenian media reported.
A number of countries have recognised the state of Palestine amid the war between Israel and Hamas, prompting sharp rebukes from Israeli officials. Yerevan said:
“Confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognises the State of Palestine.”
Armenia added that it is “genuinely interested in establishing long-term peace and stability in the Middle-East.”
Yerevan, which has itself been in conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan for decades, condemned Israeli military action in Gaza. The ministry said:
“Armenia deplores using civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and violence towards civilian populations.”
It also deplored Hamas for “the captivity of civilian persons” and said it “joins the demands of international community on freeing them.”
A senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, welcomed the move. Al-Sheikh said on social media:
“This is a victory for right, justice, legitimacy and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence. Thank you our friend Armenia.”
Three European countries – Ireland, Spain and Norway – recognised Palestine as an independent State on May 22. Later, Slovenia also recognised Palestine’s independence. They originally weren’t going to do it before the conflict in the Middle East could settle, but then they decided it would help bring the signing of a peace treaty closer. In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from those countries.
