San Marino formally recognises Palestinian state

San Marino officially declared Palestine a recognised state during a debate at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.

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

Beccari described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank “unbearable” and “one of the most painful and long-standing tragedies of our time", saying that "having a state is the right of the Palestinian people."