Armenia announced Friday its decision to recognize a Palestinian state, becoming the ninth country to do so since the Oct. 7 onslaught by the Hamas terrorist organization, which led to the current war in the Gaza Strip.
The declaration aligns Armenia with recent similar announcements from Ireland, Norway, and Spain.
The country's Foreign Ministry said that the recognition reaffirms Armenia's "commitment to international law and the principles of equality" The decision was attributed to the "catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza" and as well the "establishment of lasting reconciliation between the Jewish and Palestinian peoples."
With Armenia's recognition, the tally of United Nations member states acknowledging Palestinian statehood rises to 144 out of 193, representing approximately 75% of the international community. Over the past year, countries including Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia have joined this growing consensus.
The development comes against the backdrop of Armenia's own geopolitical challenges, including its ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan to resolve their long-standing conflict. Notably, Azerbaijan has been a political ally of Israel and a recipient of Israeli military technology.
