Armenia Recognizes Palestine As A State; Israel Reacts
On Friday, Armenia declared the recognition of Palestine as a state following Slovenia, Spain, Norway, and Ireland, who officially recognized a Palestine state in the past month. With Armenian recognition of Palestinian statehood, the total number of states that have recognized Palestine as a state has reached 145.
The Armenian foreign ministry stated Yeveran’s support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and showed commitment to establishing peace and stability in the Middle East.
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In response to the Armenian move, the Israeli foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador, Arman Akopian to reprimand. Israel has reacted to the moves of recognition by calling them a reward to Hamas for the October 7 atrocities that have killed over 1,200 people and taken 251 hostages.
While the Palestinian Authority (PA) welcomed Armania’s decision and said, “This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution which faces systematic challenges and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved”.
Israel and Armenia have full diplomatic relations, however, the relations got strained over Israel’s alliance with Azerbaijan which involved in military conflict with Armenia over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Israeli weapons sold over to Azerbaijan were used in last September’s conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region. Armenian government called it a form of ethnic cleansing.
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Israel is host to an ancient Armenian community that dates back to the 4th century and also the modern community servived in the 1915-16 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The largest concentration is found in Jerusalem which hosts an Armenian Quarter. A small Jewish community also lives in Armenia.
