The International community has reacted with dismay to the news that Israel is to build 900 extra houses for Jewish settlers in the West Bank. The Israeli interior ministry gave permission on Tuesday for an extension of the Gilo Jewish settlement near Jerusalem.

The United States immediately strongly criticised the Israeli decision to demolish Palestinian homes to make way for the Gilo extension. Washington said the decision would block attempts to restart the Middle East peace process.

Last week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he was only willing to join in peace talks if Israel stop the construction of Jewish settlements.

Great Britain and the United Nations have also condemned the Israeli move. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the Israeli decision was deplorable and talked of illegal settlements.

Israel says Gilo is in East Jerusalem which it annexed following the 1967 occupation and argues it is therefore not in occupied territory. The international community does not recognise the annexation.

photo: the Gilo neighbourhood (Flickr/David55king)