Palestinian outcry after Israel OKs 1,600 settlement units in Jerusalem

GAZA, March 9 (KUNA) -- The Israeli decision to build a further 1,600 settlements in occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday sparked a swift response from Palestinians who noted to its dangers in obstructing peace talks, and the failure of US efforts before their start.

"It is clear that the Israeli government does not want to negotiate, neither does it want peace," Palestinian presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudaina said.

"It is up to the US administration to respond to this provocation by effective procedures, because it is no longer possible to allow this to carry on without genuine American pressure on Israel to stop these acts that destroy the peace process," he added.

The planning and building authority in Israel approved plans earlier on Tuesday for a further 1,600 settlement units in Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem.

The decision comes a day after Israel had issued the decision to build 112 residential blocks in Bitar Alit, a settlement in Bethlehem, south of the West Bank.

Despite previously rejecting peace talks as a result of Israel's continued settlement construction, the Palestinians had agreed yesterday along with the Israelis, to be mediated in talks by US Middle East Special Envoy George Mitchell, the White House reported. (pickup previous) mzt.sd KUNA 092256 Mar 10NNNN