The French decision met with disapproval from both Israel and the US

The Gaza-based militant group Hamas has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will recognize Palestine as a state, and is urging other countries to follow suit.

Macron made the pledge on Thursday, with an official declaration expected at the UN General Assembly in September, calling it a step toward advancing Middle East peace. The move was met with sharp criticism from the US and Israel, who warned that it could backfire.

The Islamist group called Macron's decision a "positive step in the right direction towards justice," supporting the Palestinians' "legitimate right to self-determination."

"We in Hamas consider this important French position a political development that reflects growing international conviction in the justice of the Palestinian cause ..." the statement reads.

The militant group urged other nations, particularly EU states, to follow suit.

Several countries, including Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Mexico, have formally done so. Russia officially recognized Palestine's statehood by re-affirming the USSR's recognition of the Palestinian declaration of independence in 1988.

Washington and West Jerusalem, however, have accused Macron of "propaganda" and "rewarding terrorism." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recognition under the current conditions "risks creating another Iranian proxy like Gaza."

France would be the first major country in the G7 - comprised of the US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Italy - to officially recognize Palestinian statehood.

The proposed deal calls for a 60-day truce, with Hamas releasing ten hostages and the remains of 18 more in phases, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid would increase, and both sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire.

Ceasefire talks have stalled over conflicting demands. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and a cessation of hostilities for the release of all hostages, while Israel insists that Hamas must disarm and relinquish power if it hopes to achieve peace.

Washington recently recalled its negotiating team for consultations, saying Hamas' response "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza."

The conflict started in October 2023 after a Hamas incursion into southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths. Since then, over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

(RT.com)