Jerusalem: Israel has approved the construction of 1,300 new settlement units south of occupied East Jerusalem, as reported by Israeli media.

According to Anadolu Agency, this decision was made by the government's Special Planning and Building Committee in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc and marks an unprecedented expansion in the Har HaRusim neighborhood, located south of the Alon Shvut settlement.

The newly approved settlement plan not only includes housing units but also provisions for schools, public buildings, parks, and a large commercial zone that is expected to serve the neighboring settlements. The broadcaster emphasized that this development represents a significant increase in settlement construction in the area, which is already contentious due to its location in occupied territories.

This decision comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing tensions and international debate over Israeli settlements in occupied territories. The expansion of settlements has been a long-standing point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with many international entities viewing such actions as obstacles to peace.