Palestine–South Korea relations

Palestine–South Korea relations refer to foreign relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of Korea.

Waleed Siam is the non-resident ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Korea.[1][2] While the government of the Republic of Korea does not recognize Palestine as a State, it voted in favour of a failed UNSC resolution that would have admitted Palestine as a UN member state, despite the objections of its' ally, the United States.[3]

History

In June 2005, South Korea established diplomatic ties with Palestine.[4] It has a representative office in Ramallah.[4]

A survey found that 82 percent of South Koreans believe their country should not take a side in the Israel-Palestine conflict.[5]

South Korea expressed concerns during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.[6]South Korea condemned Hamas for the 2023 Israel–Hamas war but did not fully support Israel preferring a more balanced stance.[7][8] Hundreds protested against Israel's bombing in Gaza and tried to march to the Israeli embassy but were thwarted by the police.[9] [10]

South Korea issued a joint statement with Saudi Arabia calling for a peaceful solution to the conflict.[11][12]

National Intelligence Service reported North Korea was providing support to Hamas.[13] Akiva Tor, Israeli Ambassador to South Korea, reported North Korean weapons in Palestine,[13] which was denied by Waleed Siam.[1] Siam also called for a ceasefire.[14] Ziad Hab al-Reeh, the Minister of interior of the Palestinian National Authority, met with the head of the South Korean mission to Palestine, Geon Gyu-seok.[15]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Arin, Kim (2023-11-21). "[Herald Interview] Palestinian envoy denies Hamas connection with North Korea". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  2. ^ Kyung-sik, Lee (2023-11-22). "Against Israeli invasion of Gaza Strip, Arab ambassadors call on Korea, world to act". The Korea Post (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  3. ^ https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240419050478#:~:text=South%20Korea%20on%20Thursday%20voted,to%20the%20Israeli%2DPalestinian%20conflict
  4. ^ a b "Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine". overseas.mofa.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  5. ^ Evron, Yoram; Kowner, Rotem (2023-09-25). Israel-Asia Relations in the Twenty-First Century: The Search for Partners in a Changing World. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-95462-3.
  6. ^ Boram, Kim (2021-05-13). "S. Korea expresses concerns over Israel-Palestine conflict". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  7. ^ "Where Does South Korea Stand on the Israel-Hamas Conflict?". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  8. ^ "South Korea faces growing diplomatic pressure from Israel-Hamas conflict". koreatimes. 2023-10-12. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  9. ^ Yi, Hyun Young (11 October 2023). "South Koreans share relief, chaos after return from Israel". Reuters. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Some Koreans empathize with Palestinian resistance, others say there's no justifying terror tactics". The Hankyoreh. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  11. ^ "S. Korea, Saudi Arabia call for 'political solution' to Israel-Palestine conflict". koreatimes. 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  12. ^ Ji-hye, Shin (2023-10-24). "Korea, Saudi Arabia agree to expand partnership for global stability, economy". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  13. ^ a b "North Korea plans to provide 'assistance' to Hamas, claims South Korean spy agency". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  14. ^ "'We want a cease-fire, not a pause,' Palestinian envoy tells Korea". Korea JoongAng Daily. 2023-11-21. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  15. ^ "Meeting with Minister of Interior 상세보기|Ambassador's Activities Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine". overseas.mofa.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-02.