Armenia announced on Friday that it has officially recognized the State of Palestine, challenging Israel, which opposes such a move. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Armenia supports the UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and endorses a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
The statement continued: "The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing military conflict are among the core issues that require organizing the international political agenda today." The ministry further noted, "The Republic of Armenia condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, violence against civilian populations, and the holding of civilians as hostages during the armed conflict."
It clarified: "Armenia is genuinely interested in ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East, and in the lasting reconciliation between the two peoples. We have consistently discussed the Palestinian issue in a peaceful and comprehensive manner on various international platforms to promote the principle of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
The statement highlighted: "We are convinced that this is the only way to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can achieve their legitimate aspirations." It concluded: "Based on the above, and in affirmation of its commitment to international law and principles of equality, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence among peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine."
In its first reaction to the decision, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that it summoned the Armenian ambassador to "strongly reprimand him." Just days ago, Spain, Ireland, and Norway took similar steps by recognizing the State of Palestine, and the Slovenian parliament approved a decree recognizing Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously criticized such recognitions, stating they "reward Hamas for acts of violence," expressing his rejection of the "two-state solution" principle.
