Hundreds of new settlement homes in occupied East Jerusalem has been approved by Israel after US President Donald Trump who is pro-Israel took office. Meir Turgeman, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem said to AFP that "we (they) can finally build."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly delayed approval given that former US President Barack Obama has infuriated Israel by allowing a UN resolution against settlements to pass. Israel disputes the claim, although the settlements in East Jerusalem are considered illegal under international law, reported BBC.
According to Netanyahu, Trump had invited him to a meeting in February in Washington, with a date that is yet to be decided. The two leaders according to a statement held a "very warm" conversation on the telephone - with some discussions on current issues including the Iran nuclear deal together with the peace negotiation with the Palestinians.
Mr Trump had emphasised during the call that peace between Israel and the Palestinians "could only be negotiated directly between the two parties", said officials of The White House. The two leaders had agreed to consult closely on regional issues, according to the report.
The settlements issues has been a long and major source of conflict between Israel and most of the international community. Based on the latest UN Security Council resolution, the establishment of the settlements "has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace".
Since Israel sees the whole Jerusalem as its capital, the resolution has infuriated the government particularly when it comes to East Jerusalem. Meanwhile, The Palestinians wished the East Jerusalem to be their capital for their future state.
Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014. Neither Israel nor the Palestinian officials were invited during the summit held in Paris recently which aimed to kick-starting peace talk to restate the desire for a two-state solution.
