- The Israeli government has approved the construction
of thousands of homes around one of the largest Jewish settlements, in
a further move to consolidate its grip over parts of the West Bank ahead
of any peace negotiations.
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- The plans to build 3,500 homes to link Maale Adumim with
Jerusalem has infuriated Palestinians, who accuse Ariel Sharon, the Israeli
prime minister, of using international support for his plan to pull Jewish
settlers out of the Gaza strip as a cover to expand settlements in the
West Bank.
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- "By expanding settlements in the West Bank, Israel
gives the impression that it intends to exchange Gaza for a 'Greater Israel',"
the Palestinian planning minister, Ghassan Khatib, said. "I don't
think the Palestinian leadership and people can tolerate this."
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- The construction, along with the West Bank barrier, would
also strengthen Israel's hold over Palestinian East Jerusalem, which Mr
Sharon has said he is not prepared to give up in any peace deal.
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- Although critics say the construction is in breach of
the government's commitments under the US-led road map peace plan, Mr Sharon's
officials say he has a commitment from Washington that Israel will retain
the main settlement blocs under a final peace agreement.
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- Israel was expected to transfer security control over
the West Bank town of Tulkarem to the Palestinian Authority yesterday after
delays caused by a dispute over who would take responsibility for outlying
villages. Last week Jericho was the first town to be transferred.
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- Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited
2005
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- http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1442938,00.html
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