Armenia has officially recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest country to do so amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The announcement was made on Friday, with Armenian officials condemning violence against civilian populations.
“Confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” read the statement from Yerevan. The Armenian government also expressed its genuine interest in establishing long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
The recognition comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Armenia, which has experienced its own protracted conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan, criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza. “Armenia deplores the use of civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and violence toward civilian populations,” the ministry said. Additionally, Armenia condemned Hamas for holding civilians captive and supported international demands for their release.
A senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, welcomed Armenia’s decision. “This is a victory for right, justice, legitimacy, and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence,” Al-Sheikh said on social media, adding, “Thank you our friend Armenia.”
The Gaza conflict was reignited by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 41 presumed dead. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed at least 37,431 people in Gaza, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Armenia’s recognition of Palestine also reflects its geopolitical context. The country has been embroiled in a decades-long territorial dispute with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan recaptured last year. Israel, a major arms supplier to Azerbaijan, adds further complexity to Armenia’s foreign policy and regional dynamics.
“Confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” read the statement from Yerevan. The Armenian government also expressed its genuine interest in establishing long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
The recognition comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Armenia, which has experienced its own protracted conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan, criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza. “Armenia deplores the use of civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and violence toward civilian populations,” the ministry said. Additionally, Armenia condemned Hamas for holding civilians captive and supported international demands for their release.
A senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, welcomed Armenia’s decision. “This is a victory for right, justice, legitimacy, and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence,” Al-Sheikh said on social media, adding, “Thank you our friend Armenia.”
The Gaza conflict was reignited by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 41 presumed dead. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed at least 37,431 people in Gaza, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Armenia’s recognition of Palestine also reflects its geopolitical context. The country has been embroiled in a decades-long territorial dispute with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan recaptured last year. Israel, a major arms supplier to Azerbaijan, adds further complexity to Armenia’s foreign policy and regional dynamics.
