The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas confirmed on Saturday that the decision to grant the Israeli occupation membership in the African Union as an observer member is shocking.

"This decision enhances its legitimacy on our land and gives it more opportunities to continue its plans to erase Palestinian rights, and to continue its brutal crimes against our people," said Hamas in a statement, a copy of which obtained by Safa.

It added: "Unfortunately, this decision was taken from the countries of the African continent, which for centuries have, and still, suffered from the colonialism and racism."

The movement called for removing the israeli occupation out of the Union immediately, and the imposing sanctions on it.

It should be noted that the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that its ambassador in Addis Ababa proposed to have Israel as an observer member of the African Union.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said, "This is a joyful day! This step will help us in strengthening our position in the African continent and its countries."

Despite the popular rejection there, Israel has relations with 46 of the African countries and cooperates with them in the areas of development, trade, and several fields.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu attached special importance to relations with Africa.

During his rule, he made four visits to African countries, resumed relations with Chad, and normalized relations with Sudan within the framework of the recent Abraham agreements that began with the UAE.