Armenia has formally recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest country to do so during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The announcement was made on Friday, with Armenia citing its opposition to “violence toward civilian populations.”
In a statement, the Armenian government emphasized its commitment to “international law, equality of nations, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.” The recognition, according to Yerevan, reflects Armenia’s interest in promoting long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
“Confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” the Armenian government said.
Armenia also criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, condemning the use of civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and the violence against civilian populations. At the same time, it denounced Hamas for holding civilians captive and supported international calls for their release.
Following Armenia’s decision, Israel’s foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador in Israel for a formal reprimand, expressing strong disapproval of the recognition. The Israeli foreign ministry stated: “Following Armenia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador in Israel for a severe reprimand.”
The recognition by Armenia was welcomed by Palestinian Authority senior official Hussein al-Sheikh, who described it as a “victory for right, justice, legitimacy, and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence.”
The Gaza conflict escalated after a significant attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,194 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to official Israeli figures. Hamas also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 41 confirmed dead by the Israeli army. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 37,431 people, mainly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Armenia’s move to recognize Palestine occurs against the backdrop of its own regional tensions, particularly with Azerbaijan. The two countries have a history of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan reclaimed from Armenian separatists last year. Israel, a significant arms supplier to Azerbaijan, had a strained response to Armenia’s recognition of Palestine, given the complex geopolitical ties in the region.
