Netanyahu advances settlement expansion plan in West Bank, says “there will be no Palestinian state”
Jerusalem/Amman: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed an agreement to advance construction in a settlement area east of Jerusalem that critics say would block the possibility of a future Palestinian state, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The project, known as “E1,” covers about 12 square kilometres near Maale Adumim, an Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. The plan includes 3,400 new housing units and would connect surrounding settlements while severing much of the West Bank from East Jerusalem.
Speaking at a ceremony in Maale Adumim on Thursday, Netanyahu said the government was committed to preventing the creation of a Palestinian state. “We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us,” he said, pledging to double the city’s population.
Strongly opposing the expansion plan the presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh noted that the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is necessary for regional peace. He also termed the two-state solution as "inevitable." He urged countries who have not yet recognised Palestine to do so.
“All settlements are illegal under international law,” Rudeineh said, accusing Netanyahu of endangering regional stability.
The United Nations has affirmed that 149 of its member states already recognise Palestine. Israel, which has occupied the West Bank since 1967, maintains that the E1 development is part of its long-term settlement policy.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
