“Israel” Okays 1,100 New Settlements, EU Slams Construction Plans

Local Editor

"Israel" has authorized a plan for the construction of 1,100 illegal settlement units in the Gilo neighborhood of East al-Quds (Jerusalem).

"Israeli" officials said the plan is one of the phases of a multi-year process for the expansion of the Gilo neighborhood, AFP reported on Tuesday.

According to "Israeli" officials, the project is expected to return to the district planning committee for final discussion.

In September 2010, "Israel" resumed expansion of illegal settlements in Palestine after a 10-month partial freeze, prompting the Palestinian Authority (PA) leaders to break off the US-sponsored talks with the Tel Aviv regime that had been resumed after a lengthy stalemate.

Meanwhile, the European Union has criticized "Israel" for its illegal expansion of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Tuesday that Israel's plan to build 1,100 new illegal housing units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) "undermines the talks with Palestinians and should be reversed," AP reported.

Ashton also expressed "deep regret" over the ongoing settlement expansion activities.