Armenia has officially recognized a Palestinian state, the Armenian foreign ministry said on Friday, the latest country to do so despite opposition from Israel.
Armenia supports a United Nations resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and is in favor of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a ministry statement said.
Israel's foreign ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador 'for a serious reprimand' following Armenia's recognition of a Palestinian state, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank under Israeli military occupation, welcomed Armenia’s decision.
A bridge decorated with flags of Armenia and the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region is seen in Yerevan on Oct. 7, 2020. Armenia has officially recognized a Palestinian state, the Armenian foreign ministry said on Friday. (AFP via Getty Images)
"This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved," the Authority's presidency said in a statement.
Spain, Ireland and Norway are among Western countries to officially recognize a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to pull its ambassadors from Madrid, Dublin and Oslo last month.