This Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut woke to word Friday morning that the United Nations approved the de facto recognition of a Palestinian state.

Camp residents welcomed the news, but said the vote was just one milestone in their battle for independence.

This man said it was a historic day for the Palestinian people.

"Today, yes, we have a Palestinian state," he said.

Refugees at a camp in Jordan agreed, and said it would be an honour to see the Palestinian flag alongside others at the UN.

Refugee Mohammed Jaafari backed the decision, but admitted to some apprehension about the ongoing influence of Israel which voted against the move.

The U.N. vote to grant Palestinians the title of "non-member observer state" falls short of full UN membership - something the Palestinians failed to achieve last year.

But it allows them access to the International Criminal Court and other international bodies, should they choose to join.