Jerusalem, December 08: Israel approves of the construction of more settlement units in the occupied East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in a move expected to trigger fresh worldwide condemnation of Tel Aviv’s settlements activities.
The 14-home project, which is to be named Maale David, was approved late on Wednesday and is to be sited in the Arab neighborhood of Ras al-Amud near an existing Jewish settlement of 1,000 people, Israel’s Channel One TV reported.
Last month, Tel Aviv announced plans for building more than 800 settlement units in East al-Quds in response to Palestinian efforts to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Israel occupied East al-Quds and the West Bank in 1967 and later annexed both territories. The international community has refused to recognize either move.
In September 2010, Israel resumed settlement construction in the occupied territories after a 10-month partial freeze, prompting the Palestinian Authority to break off direct talks with Tel Aviv.
The United Nations and the European Union consider the settlements built on either region illegal under the international law due to their construction on occupied territory.
On Monday, Israel destroyed two more Palestinian homes in East al-Quds, defying international calls on it to put an end to the demolitions.
——Agencies