Armenia’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state has led to a strong reaction from Israel, which has summoned its ambassador for a “severe reprimand” from the foreign ministry. This move is not unique, as many countries, including Ireland and Spain, have already recognized a Palestinian state, although none of the major Western powers have done so. The recognition of a Palestinian state is seen by Palestinians as a significant step towards gaining international legitimacy for their struggle against Israel.
The recognition is particularly significant at this time, as Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, now in its ninth month, is facing growing international criticism over the campaign of systematic destruction and the huge cost in civilian lives. The war has had a devastating impact on Gaza, with widespread hunger and shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods. According to the head of a major hospital in north Gaza, his staff have seen over 250 children suffering from malnutrition, with numbers rising daily due to acute food shortages.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the war having largely cut off the flow of food, medicine, and basic goods to the territory, which is now totally dependent on aid. The Israeli pledge to guard a new aid route into southern Gaza has fallen flat, as the UN and international aid organizations say a breakdown in law and order has made that route unusable.
Palestinian State Recognition Sparks Controversy
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has reported that two soldiers were killed in combat in central Gaza, while three were severely injured. The death of one of the soldiers, Omer Smadga, is particularly significant, as he was the son of one of the first Israeli Olympic medalists, Oren Smadga, who won a bronze medal in judo at the 1992 Summer Olympics. The Israeli Olympic Committee has expressed its condolences to the family, saying they “bowed their heads in deep pain” with the Olympic medalist and coach.
The Israeli ground offensives and bombardments have had a devastating impact on Gaza, with over 37,100 people killed, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. This includes both combatants and civilians, and the numbers are likely to continue to rise as the war continues. The Israelis have launched this war in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7th, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250.
The recognition by Armenia of a Palestinian state is seen by many as a significant step towards gaining international legitimacy for the Palestinian struggle. While many countries have recognized a Palestinian state, including Ireland and Spain, major Western powers have not done so. The recognition is likely to be seen as a significant blow to Israel’s efforts to isolate the Palestinian Authority and undermine its international legitimacy.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread hunger, shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods, and a breakdown in law and order. The Israeli military’s reports of soldiers killed and injured in combat are a grim reminder of the devastating impact of the war on all sides. As the war continues, the international community is increasingly critical of Israel’s actions, and calls for a ceasefire and an end to the violence are growing.
