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 more than 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.

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.

United States President Donald Trump has said that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. The tensions have spiralled after the recent UNGA summit in New York, after several nations formally recognised Palestine on Monday.

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.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas will address the United Nations virtually on Thursday as the United States, despite its opposition to him, weighs whether to try to stop Israeli annexation of the West Bank.