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Kerry trying to coax back Israeli-Palestinian talks 08/04/2013 12:45 CET Israel PM Netanyahu ‘orders brief freeze’ on Jewish… 07/05/2013 12:45 CET West Bank Barrier creates hardship for Palestinian… 03/05/2013 00:06 CET Obama calls for compromise in Middle East 22/03/2013 03:36 CET Obama cements his symbolic support of Israel 22/03/2013 11:05 CETUS Secretary of State John Kerry’s push to revive Middle East peace talks has taken a blow, with Israel announcing more settlement building.
It came ahead of Kerry’s arrival in the region for more key discussions.
Israel said it had approved the construction of 69 housing units in East Jerusalem along with building permits for 22 homes in two Palestinian-populated districts.
Peace activists such as Hagit Ofran from the NGO “Peace Now” have strongly criticised the move.
“If Netanyahu was really a peace-seeking prime minister he would have made sure that no construction in settlements would take place, because any construction in settlements is destroying the chances for peace. This is the welcome that the government of Israel is making for Kerry.”
Kerry is to meet Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the coming days.
Israel claims the latest houses are part of projects already underway. But the Palestinians want a freeze on any settlement construction.
More about: Israel, Israel-Palestine Peace Process, John Kerry, USA, West BankCopyright © 2013 euronews
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