US Vice President Joe Biden has fiercely criticised Israeli plans to build more houses for Jewish settlers in East Jerusalem.
On Tuesday, Israel announced its approval of 1600 new homes in occupied East Jerusalem. Construction work in occupied territories is a violation of international law.
Vice President Biden, who is currently in Israel in attempt to revitalise the peace process, issued a statement that he condemns the Israeli government's decision and that "the substance and timing of the announcement is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now."
On Monday, Israel and the Palestinians finally agreed to resume indirect negotiations after more than a year.
Jewish settlements in the occupied territories have long been an obstacle in the Middle East peace process. In November, Israel announced a ten-month moratorium on new construction work in the West Bank. It now says the moratorium does not include East Jerusalem.
The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent Palestine.
Jewish settlement, East Jerusalem
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