Hamas welcomed the statement by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding recognition of a Palestinian state, and said that "this is a positive step in the right direction to support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination." According to the terror organization, "The declaration reflects the strengthening international recognition of the justice of the Palestinian cause. Hamas calls on the rest of the countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to follow France and recognize the national rights of the Palestinian people. Such international steps constitute moral and political pressure on the Zionist enemy, which continues to commit crimes against the Palestinian people."