OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (PIC)– The Israeli government on Wednesday gave its full approval to a previous plan to build about 2600 housing units in Givat Hamatos settlement which was established illegally on Palestinian land in Beit Safafa town in east Jerusalem.
The plan depends now on the issuance of permits and funding to begin construction.
The plan which has received wide international condemnation will be carried out in an area located under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
Two weeks ago the ambassador of the European Union to Israel voiced his concern over Israel’s intention to go on with this plan warning that its execution would be an obstacle to the peace process.
The final approval to the plan which was leaked by Peace Now group was believed to have embarrassed Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his meeting with US president Barack Obama on Wednesday especially since the project would affect the borders of the intended Palestinian state and thus undermine the chances for a peace settlement between the Palestinians and Israelis.
