More Jewish homes, as Sheikh Jarrah plan is approved

Israel is planning more Jewish settlements in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, a city councillor has revealed. The news comes a day after talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama in Washington.

Reuters

Elisha Peleg, a member of the municipal planning commission, said 20 units had been approved for a compound in the area known as the Shepherd's Hotel.

A total of 100 homes would be built, he added.

Former Palestinian Authority minister Mustafa Barghouti told RFI earlier this month that after Israel's controversial plan to build a further 1,600 settlements was declared the head of the municipality of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat said there would be as many as 50,000 more.

Sheikh Jarrah has become a point of tension in the city since Israel last year evicted several families descended from Palestinian refugees after an Israeli court found for Jewish families claiming ownership of these properties.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said President Mahmoud Abbas would insist that Israel revoke the plans to build in Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of East Jerusalem.