Israel approves West Bank housing

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Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved the construction of hundreds of housing units in the West Bank. News reports in Israel say three hundred and sixty six new homes will be built in five settlement blocs in the Palestinian territories.

Barak is also expected to approve more units in the coming days. Both the United States and European Union have criticized the move. Both have been urging Israel to halt construction in the Palestinian territories.

Palestinians expressed anger over the construction, saying they will not return to negotiations unless Israel freezes settlement construction.