Israeli settlement plans will 'bury' idea of Palestinian state, minister says

The Israeli government has approved the construction of 3,401 new homes in the controversial E1 area of the occupied West Bank. This announcement was made by Bezalel Smotrich, the country's far-right minister. The E1 project has long been a contentious issue, as it is seen as a significant obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state. The new settlement plans have been criticized by the Palestinian Authority, who have stated that they will "bury" the idea of a Palestinian state. The international community has also expressed concern over the decision, with many countries viewing the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories as a violation of international law and a major hindrance to the peace process. The approval of these new homes is seen as a further step in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, and is likely to further exacerbate tensions in the region.