Yerevan, June 21 (RHC)-- Armenia has announced its recognition of the State of Palestine, becoming the latest country to take the measure during the ruthless Israeli ground and aerial invasion of Gaza.

“Reaffirming its commitment to international law, the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

It deplored the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing military invasion as one of the primary issues on the international political agenda that requires resolution.  “The Republic of Armenia categorically rejects the [Israeli] targeting of civilian infrastructures, and violence against the civilian population,” the ministry noted.

It added that Armenia earlier supported the UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.  The statement said Yerevan is “genuinely interested in establishing long-term peace and stability” in West Asia.

Ireland, Norway and Spain have formally recognized Palestinian state, irrespective of strong opposition from Israeli authorities to the move.

The ministry emphasized that Armenia has always advocated a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question on various international platforms.

Responding to Yerevan's move, the Israeli regime's foreign ministry summoned the Armenian envoy.

In recent weeks, Slovenia and Malta have indicated they plan to formally recognize the state of Palestine.

Last month, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized the Palestinian state, joining over 140 UN member states that have recognized its statehood over the past four decades.