Cheers in France's parliament, as French lawmakers adopt a motion to recognize Palestinian territories as a nation state.

The move is entirely symbolic … it won't immediately change France's diplomatic stance.

But in the West Bank town of Ramallah … reaction was - not surprisingly - positive.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PALESTINIAN MAN FROM RAMALLAH, IBRAHIM ABUKHATIR, SAYING:

"It is positive news and confirms that the Palestinian issue is right and we are going in the right direction."

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PALESTINIAN YOUTH FROM RAMALLAH, ZAID JINDIYA, SAYING:

"This step, for some people, is only symbolic but it is very important to the Palestinian people."

But in the Israeli town of Netanya … a very different reaction all together.

Many here echo the reaction of the Israeli government .. saying the vote only jeopardizes chances for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI FROM NETANYA, ALEX MAYOR, S