NEW YORK: San Marino officially recognized Palestine at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday.

“On May 15, our parliament, with unanimous support, mandated the government to recognize the State of Palestine within this year. Today, before this Assembly, we announce the fulfillment of that mandate: San Marino officially recognizes the State of Palestine,” said Foreign Minister Luca Beccari.

The hall rang out with applause as San Marino joined the growing number of nations recognizing Palestine.

Beccari affirmed San Marino’s recognition of Palestine “as a sovereign and independent state within secure, internationally recognized borders, in line with UN resolutions.”

He added: “Having a state is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not, and can never be, a reward for Hamas.”

Beccari said this decision aligns with San Marino’s position delivered last July at the high-level conference chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

He lamented the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, describing it as “unbearable” and “one of the most painful and long-standing tragedies of our time.”

Beccari “unequivocally” condemned the Hamas attack on Israel of Oct. 7, 2023, and again called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

He also reiterated his country’s call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, full and unhindered humanitarian access, and an end to Israel’s illegal settlement of Palestinian land in the West Bank, which sabotages any “concrete possibility of peace.”

He added: “Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people through indiscriminate bombing, starvation and displacement.

“Unless we act with unity and determination, the vision of two peoples living side by side in dignity and security will be lost.”

He concluded: “In this dark hour, our responsibility becomes urgent.”