French parliamentarians have voted to recognise Palestine as a state, drawing criticism from the Israeli government.
The vote, passed with 339 MPs for and 151 MPs against, is largely symbolic and will not be binding on the French government.
Palestinian leaders expressed "gratitude" and urged France to "translate its parliament's vote into action," reported AFP news.
Israel criticised the vote, saying "unilateral measures" would be "counter-productive" for the peace process.
France's vote comes soon after similar votes in the British and Swedish parliaments. British MPs also chose to recognise Palestine in a symbolic vote, whereas the Swedish government now officially recognises Palestinian statehood.
France to recognise Palestine as independent state if negotiations with Israel fail (28 November 2014)
Sweden formally recognises Palestine (30 October 2014)
UK recognition of Palestine criticised by Israel (15 October 2014)
UK MPs vote overwhelmingly in favour of recognising Palestine (13 October 2014)