GAZA — The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and Hamas welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge on Thursday to formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, hailing the move as a diplomatic milestone and a step toward justice.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also praised Macron’s pledge, calling it “historic” and a reaffirmation of France’s commitment to international law and a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on a two-state solution.

“This is a victory for Palestinian diplomacy and Arab efforts, particularly those led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to secure broader international recognition of the State of Palestine,” the ministry said.

The ministry called on other countries to follow suit and participate actively in the UN conference in New York, while also taking practical steps to preserve and implement the two-state solution.

In a statement, Hamas described Macron’s announcement as “a positive step in the right direction” that supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood on all occupied territories, with Jerusalem as their capital.

The group said the French position signals “a political development that reflects growing international conviction in the justice of the Palestinian cause,” and criticized Israel’s efforts to distort facts and “suppress the will of free nations.”

It added that such moves increase both “political and moral pressure” on the Israeli government.

Macron confirmed his intention in a post on X, stating: “In line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.”

If carried out, France would become the first G7 member to officially recognize Palestine. Currently, 149 out of 193 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine. — Agencies