Armenia Recognizes Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict, Prompting Israeli Rebuke
Armenia has officially recognized Palestine as a state, a decision announced on Friday morning by the Armenian Foreign Ministry and reported by Russian TASS news agency. The move prompted a strong reaction from Israel, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry summoning the Armenian ambassador for a "stern reprimand."
Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan confirmed the recognition in a post on social media platform X, emphasizing Armenia's longstanding support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Always being a support[er] of [a] two-state solution in [the] Israeli-Palestinian conflict #Armenia made [the] decision to recognize the independent state of #Palestine," Kostanyan wrote.
Always being a support of two-state solution in Israeli-Palestinian conflict #Armenia made decision to recognize the independent state of #Palestine.
— Vahan Kostanyan (@VahanKostanyan) June 21, 2024
The Armenian Foreign Ministry elaborated in a detailed statement on its website, citing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a significant factor influencing their decision. The statement condemned the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, and called for the release of the 120 hostages still held in Gaza. "The Republic of Armenia has joined the resolutions of the UN General Assembly, which call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza," the ministry stated.
Armenia expressed a sincere interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, advocating for a lasting reconciliation between Jewish and Palestinian peoples. "We are convinced that this is the only way to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their legitimate aspirations," the statement read.
Armenia’s recognition of Palestine adds to the growing list of countries acknowledging Palestinian statehood, with recent recognitions from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia. Since 1988, a total of 145 countries have recognized Palestine.
This international support comes as the Palestinian Authority renews its efforts to become the 194th member of the United Nations, a bid currently blocked by the United States. In light of the ongoing Gaza war, the Palestinian Authority has urged more countries to recognize Palestine.
The conflict in Gaza erupted after a Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages being taken. Hamas claims that over 37,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with 25,000 of those fatalities verified. Israel reports that 14,000 of the deceased were combatants.
The war has also intensified antisemitic sentiments in Armenia, with Jewish communities experiencing several attacks and expressing heightened fear for their safety.
