'Israeli settlement activity doubled in Trump era'

By Abdelraouf Arna'out

JERUSALEM (AA) - 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