Armenia joins 140+ countries in recognizing Palestinian state amid ongoing Gaza war

CAIRO – 21 June 2024: Armenia has officially recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the 145th country to take this decision over the past decades.

“Based on the foregoing and reaffirming our commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence of peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The ministry also expressed support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as “the only way to ensure that both Palestinians and Israelis can fulfil their legitimate aspirations.”

Armenia also backed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, which began on October 7.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Armenia's decision, emphasizing its contribution to preserving the two-state solution and promoting security, peace, and stability for all parties involved.

This development follows the recent official recognition of the Palestinian state by four European countries—Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway—despite Israeli opposition.

Other countries, including Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados, have also recognized Palestine this year amid the ongoing Israeli war.

With Armenia's recognition, Israel responded by summoning the Armenian ambassador for a "stern reprimand," mirroring its actions toward other Western countries that have recently recognized Palestine.

The Gaza conflict, now in its ninth month, has resulted in the deaths of more than 37,431 people and injured over 85,600, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The Israeli bombardment and slow inspections have hampered the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, pushing the strip, particularly the northern parts, to the brink of famine.

Due to Israeli attacks, the majority of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people has been forced to flee their homes, with many experiencing multiple displacements.