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]
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]