While France’s recognition of Palestine at the United Nations has been hailed as a historic step, in the occupied West Bank it was met with scepticism rather than celebration.

Israel’s sudden decision to indefinitely close the sole land crossing giving over 3 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank access to international travel, has intensified fears of more restrictions amid Israel’s threats of retaliation against Western recognition of a Palestinian state.

The post Arab diplomats fear Israel could block Abbas from leaving or entering the West Bank over Western recognition of Palestine appeared first on The Times of Israel.

As several of Israel's Western allies recognise a Palestinian state, Israel has accelerated plans for settlements that it hopes will make the two-state solution impossible.

A parade was held in several cities on the West Bank to celebrate the recognition of the State of Palestine by Western countries.

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, vowed that his people “will not leave our land.” His address came days after 10 Western countries joined 150 other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Republican State Representative Chase Tramont has filed a bill to prevent the use of the name West Bank in state materials.

Israel will reopen the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan to passenger traffic only, starting Friday morning, the Israeli Airports Authority said on Thursday.