Palestinians in West Bank city of Jenin reacted on Monday to the recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Canada and Australia ahead of the annual gathering of the UN General Assembly.

It's hoped recognition might pave the way for peace based on two states living side by side.

Some said it was "a step in the right direction", while others regarded it as meaningless.

"You're talking nonsense about recognition while we're still under occupation." said Mohammad Hammad, a displaced person from Jenin refugee camp.

Britain, Canada and Australia formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, joining nearly 150 countries that have already done so.

France was expected to do the same at the General Assembly.

Portugal also joined the group, announcing its recognition later Sunday from New York.

France and Saudi Arabia hope to use this year’s gathering of world leaders and the increasingly horrific war in the Gaza Strip to inject new urgency into the quest for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But efforts to push a two-state solution face major obstacles, beginning with vehement opposition from the United States and Israel.

The US has blocked Palestinian officials from even attending the General Assembly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is opposed to Palestinian statehood, has threatened to take unilateral action in response - possibly including the annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see US President Donald Trump at the White House, said he would announce Israel’s response after the trip.

AP video shot by Aref Tuffaha

Production by Jalal Bwaitel