JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities have advanced plans for 770 new settlement homes in annexed east Jerusalem, officials and rights groups said on Monday, drawing condemnation from Palestinian leaders and the United Nations.

The homes would expand the Gilo settlement on the southern perimeter of east Jerusalem. They are part of a larger plan for around 1,200 units approved some three years ago, said Ir Amim, an NGO that monitors Israeli settlement activity.

The land where they are to be built requires technical approval known as “reparcelisation” by Jerusalem’s local planning and building committee in order for the process to advance, according to Ir Amim.

The committee has now deposited the plans for public objections ahead of possible approval.

“The plans in question are not new, and were approved three years ago,” a statement from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat’s office said.

“Recent deliberations in the municipal planning committee concerned technical details of plot distribution within the previously approved project.” The move to further advance the plans drew condemnation both from UN and Palestinian officials.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016