Hamas has hailed France’s pledge to recognise a State of Palestine as a “positive step” and urged all countries to do the same despite Israeli opposition, AFP reports.

“We consider this a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination,” Hamas said in a statement, after French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would formally state its recognition in September.

“We call on all countries of the world — especially European nations and those that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine — to follow France’s lead,” Hamas added.