Jerusalem: Israel is moving ahead with a
plan for 625 new homes in east Jerusalem, angering
Palestinians as peace talks remain stuck over settlement
construction.
The plan received preliminary approval from a district
planning committee, which published an announcement on
November 25. Further approval is required and construction
will not begin for about two years.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said today the move
showed Israel had chosen "settlements and not peace."
The units are slated for Pisgat Zeev. While Israelis
consider it a neighbourhood of their capital, the Palestinians
see it as a settlement.
The Palestinians say they will not resume talks
without a construction freeze that includes Jerusalem. Israel
rejects that condition.
PTI
