#Israeli settlements

Israel's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank has drawn condemnation from 14 countries, including the UK and Canada, who say the move violates international law.

Palestinians say Israel has demolished hundreds of homes near Jerusalem, displacing hundreds, amid reports of new Jewish settlement approvals in the occupied West Bank. The move raises fears of escalating conflict.

Israel's security cabinet has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move a top minister said is designed to block Palestinian statehood, escalating tensions and drawing international condemnation.