Palestine welcomed France’s recognition Monday of a Palestinian state, hailing it as “a historic and courageous decision that aligns with international law and UN resolutions.”

France's recognition supports "efforts made to achieve peace and implement the two-state solution,” said a Palestinian Foreign Ministry statement.

“We value the pioneering role played by France and President (Emmanuel) Macron in encouraging many countries to initiate their recognition and in mobilizing international support to ensure the success of the two-state solution conferences and their outcomes in full partnership with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.

The ministry extended its gratitude to Paris, noting: “As we thank France — its president, government and people — we affirm the state of Palestine’s keenness to strengthen and develop bilateral relations and to enhance joint coordination in all fields.”

The statement urged other countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to follow France’s lead.

“This will enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination like other nations of the world, in accordance with the New York Declaration, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and international law, achieving security, stability and prosperity for the states and peoples of the region,” the ministry added.

In New York, Macron on Monday told an international conference on Palestine: "I declare that today, France recognizes the state of Palestine."

He said France has decided to "open an embassy to the state of Palestine as soon as all of the hostages detained in Gaza have been freed and a ceasefire has been established," adding Paris stands ready to contribute to an international stabilization mission in the territory.

The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, follows up on a similar gathering in July.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's military operations in Gaza have killed over 65,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.