Israel plans more houses near Jerusalem

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-11-2008 13:35

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved new construction in a West Bank settlement near Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved new construction in a West Bank settlement near Jerusalem. (CCTV.com)

He has also instructed the army to halt air strikes and raids into the Gaza Strip in response to a serious drop in rocket fire from the territory.

The construction decision came on Sunday. It dampened already low expectations for peace negotiations that are aiming for a treaty this year.

On Sunday, the Israeli housing minister said Israel would build 350 apartments in a West Bank settlement just outside of Jerusalem, and 750 homes in another east Jerusalem neighborhood.

The Palestinians have condemned these new plans.

Saeb Erekat, Palestinian Negotiator, said, "We believe this is an attempt to undermine the peace process. This is an attempt to preempt and prejudge the results for negotiations in Jerusalem on settlements before they begin. Actually, this is like putting a stick in the wheel of negotiations."

Meanwhile, officials in Olmert's office says the prime minister has ordered the army to scale back its operations to allow Egypt to proceed in mediation talks.

Olmert promised to continue negotiations with the Palestinians despite the recent escalation in violence.

He said Israel is prepared to take steps toward peace, provided the Palestinians' are willing to do the same.

The construction decision came on Sunday. It dampened already low expectations for peace negotiations that  are aiming for a treaty this year.(CCTV.com)

Ehud Olmert, Israeli PM, said, "Despite the heartache, hardships, and the terror that threatens many citizens in Israel, we will not forsake the tremendous effort to take another significant, important, and dramatic step that could advance us toward a chance of reconciliation with our Palestinian neighbors, and toward building the foundations of real peace between us."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas briefly called off the negotiations last week in response to an Israeli military operation in Gaza.

According to Palestinian officials, the operation killed more than 120 Palestinians, including dozens of civilians.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei