New East Jerusalem settlements approved, angers Palestinians

JERUSALEM, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- An Israeli city council committee voted Wednesday to approve construction permits for more than 550 settlement units in East Jerusalem, a controversial decision that Palestinians are denouncing as illegal under international law and a blow to Mideast peace talks.

The Jerusalem municipality released a statement that said: "The local planning and building committee had dealt with request of private enterprises to approve building permits for 386 units in Har Homa, 136 units in Neve Yakov and 36 units in Pisgat Zeev for plans approved years ago."

The Palestinians see Israeli settlements as a major obstacle to peace negotiations that began six months ago.

Palestinian Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi responded to the announcement, asserting "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately sending a strong message to the United States, Europe and the rest of the world that he has no intention of adhering to international law and the will of the international community."

[CNN]