Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced the recognition of a Palestinian state in order to make progress towards peace in the Middle East, highlighting the critical situation in Gaza.

Confirming its faith in international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine, the Ministry said in a statement.

Yerevan sincerely wishes to achieve lasting peace in the region, according to the Ministry, which also says it wants the immediate implementation of a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

Hussein al-Sheikh, the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, welcomed Yerevan’s decision.

In late May, Spain, Ireland and Norway also formally recognized the state of Palestine to the same end, drawing the ire of Israeli authorities.

The announcement also states that Armenia is in favor of a two-state solution to the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel.

Following the announcement, Armenia’s ambassador to Israel was summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry to be “severely reprimanded,” according to an official statement.

Following Armenia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the Foreign Ministry summoned Armenia’s ambassador to give him a severe reprimand, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said without elaborating.

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