Israeli building plan opposed

The so-called Middle East Quartet of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations yesterday said they were alarmed by Israel’s latest announcements about new settlement plans.

Israel announced on Monday approval for building 277 homes in a West Bank settlement, despite international pressure to curb expansion on occupied land and as Palestinians prepared for a statehood bid at the United Nations.

Decrying the move, the mediating group added that “unilateral action by either party (Israel or the Palestinians)… will not be recognised by the international community.”