A protester holds a placard showing a Palestinian flag alongside a flag of Artsakh (the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh) as students participate in a Walkout to Fight Genocide and Free Palestine at Bruin Plaza at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. AFP
"Based on the above and confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognises the State of Palestine," Yerevan said.
Armenia has become the latest country to formally recognize Palestinian statehood amid Israel's deadly war on Gaza.
The move follows recent decisions by several countries, including Slovenia, Spain, Ireland and Norway, to recognize Palestinian statehood.
So far, 140 countries have recognized a State of Palestine, comprising more than two-thirds of the member-states of the United Nations.
The Palestinian presidency commended Armenia's decision.
In a press statement, the presidency expressed deep appreciation for "this courageous and significant decision," viewing it as a "pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral relations and fostering peace and stability in the region," WAFA news agency reported.
It thanked Armenia for its "bold and wise move, which underscores the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations." It also commended the commitment of the government and people of Armenia to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights to their land and self-determination.
"Armenia's wise decision aligns with the principles of the two-state solution, a strategic choice that upholds international will and legitimacy. This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved," said the Presidency.
The Palestinian leadership urged other nations, particularly European countries that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine, to follow suit based on international legitimacy resolutions adhering to the 1967 borders, which include Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, WAFA added.
In reaction, Israel's foreign ministry said it had summoned Armenia's ambassador to Israel shortly after the former Soviet republic declared its recognition of the State of Palestine.
Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 37,431 Palestinians and wounded more than 84,000 others, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry.
Meanwhile, Israel's blockade on the strip has pushed more than half of the 2.3 million population to the brink of starvation.
The situation in Gaza deteriorated after Israel started a ground operation in Rafah, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who took refuge in the southernmost city of the strip to flee.
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