Settlement grows

West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this week approved the expansion of a West Bank settlement to the edge of Jerusalem. More than 3,000 new homes for Jewish settlers will be built to connect the Maleh Adumim settlement with Jerusalem’s eastern border. Palestinian officials said the expansion violated the U.S.-backed “road map” plan, which calls for a settlement freeze. “If they carry out this scheme,” said Palestinian negotiator Saab Erekat, “they’re going to be shutting the door for peace.” An Israeli government spokesman said the expansion had been planned five years ago, and was therefore not covered under the freeze. The status of Jerusalem, which both Palestinians and Israelis claim as their capital, is one of the biggest disputes in the peace process.

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