JERUSALEM
The Israeli settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territories more than doubled during the four-year tenure of outgoing US President Donald Trump, an Israeli rights group said on Monday.
“In President Donald J. Trump’s four years in office, there have been far-reaching changes in the American position on Israeli settlements that have shattered the international consensus around a two-state solution,” watchdog Peace Now said in a new report.
It said that the number of plans approved increased 2.5 times compared to the previous four years — over 26,331 housing units in 2017-2020, compared to 10,331 housing units in 2013-2016.
Infrastructure and road projects were designed to add another million sellers, it added.
The Israeli non-governmental organization said it expects the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden “to restore the United States to its status as a constructive intermediary for a two-state solution.”
Israel occupied Palestinian territories including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in 1967. The Palestinians want these territories for the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
Last week, the European Union also called on Israel to end all activity regarding illegal settlements in the occupied territories.
*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara
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