Israeli land grab: 380 new settler homes approved

JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of 380 new settler homes in two areas of annexed east Jerusalem, a local official said. Yosef Pepe Alalu, a Jerusalem city councillor with the opposition Meretz party, said local officials were taking advantage of attention focusing on Israeli elections due in March to expand settlements. “This kind of decision distances us from any chance of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians,” he said. AFP