The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of France’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine, calling it a “step in the right direction.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hamas described the move as a positive and important development towards acknowledging the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Hamas stressed that such recognition must be followed by practical measures that contribute to ending the Israeli occupation, ensuring justice, and reinforcing Palestinian sovereignty. The group also urged other countries, particularly European and Western nations, to follow France’s example and to act decisively in support of the Palestinian cause.
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“The international community has a moral and legal responsibility to correct the historical injustice done to the Palestinian people through the ongoing Israeli occupation and decades of displacement and suffering,” the statement said.
President Macron had earlier announced that France would officially recognise the State of Palestine in September at the United Nations General Assembly. The French government said this step is aimed at reviving hope for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East and promoting a two-state solution.
Macron’s declaration marks a significant diplomatic shift, as France would become the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to take such a bold step toward Palestinian statehood amid growing global frustration with the continued conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
While the decision has been welcomed in various parts of the Arab world and by Palestinian factions, it is expected to draw criticism from Israel and its allies, who have previously opposed unilateral recognition of Palestine outside of direct negotiations.
Nonetheless, Hamas called on France to ensure that its recognition is not merely symbolic, but part of a broader international strategy to support Palestinian freedom, independence, and protection of rights under international law.
