’Israel’ Approves 2,600 Settler Units in Occupied East al-Quds

Local Editor

"Israel" is to press ahead with the planned construction of 2,610 settler units in occupied East al-Quds, a watchdog said on Wednesday.

The housing units, which have been slated for construction since 2012 in the neighborhood of Givat Hamatos, were given final approval recently last week, "Israeli" "Peace" Now said in a statement.

Spokeswoman for the "Israeli" non-governmental group, Hagit Ofran, said the government could now publish tenders for the project, but that it would be months before building actually began.

The timing was a political decision, Ofran said, but the exact reason was unclear.

Meanwhile, "Israeli" Housing Minister Uri Ariel, who himself lives in a settlement, insisted on army radio it was part of "the normal process of authorization necessary before any construction project in Jerusalem [occupied al-Quds]."

"Israel's" settlement building in the occupied West Bank and occupied East al-Quds is illegal under international law.

Moreover, approximately 306,000 Palestinians live in occupied East al-Quds neighborhoods, according to al-Quds's municipality.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team