Israel gives green light to 3,000 homes in Area E1: “Stop the Palestinian state”

Smotrich: “We will connect Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem, it is pure Zionism”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to approve the construction of over 3,000 housing units in the controversial E1 settlement project, located between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim in the West Bank. The move, he said, “buries the idea of a Palestinian state.” The news was reported by the Times of Israel.

A project stalled for decades
The initiative had been blocked for years due to strong international opposition, which fears it could compromise the possibility of creating a sustainable Palestinian state. “After decades of pressure and blockades, we are breaking with convention and connecting Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem. This is Zionism at its best: building, settling, and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel,” said Smotrich, who is also undersecretary of defense with responsibility for civil affairs in the West Bank.

Hamas’ moves at the diplomatic table
Meanwhile, on the negotiating front, Hamas has reportedly presented Egypt with proposals for a ceasefire that include written guarantees of Israel’s commitment to renounce any occupation of Gaza. According to Al Arabiya, quoted by the Times of Israel, the Islamist movement is demanding that Tel Aviv permanently end the war, under the supervision of international guarantors. In exchange, Hamas says it is ready to withdraw its fighters to agreed positions and keep all hostages alive, in return for the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

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