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.
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Jude Bellingham leaves Real Madrid game early with apparent hamstring issue
Madrid (AP): Jude Bellingham appeared to injure his left hamstring and had to be replaced 10 minutes into Real Madrid's home game against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league on Sunday.
Bellingham was on his own when he seemed to pick up the injury and quickly asked to be replaced. He immediately grabbed the back of his leg with his left hand before going to the ground. He received medical assistance and seemed emotional as he left the field on his own.
The England international was replaced by Brahim Díaz, who five minutes later assisted in Vinícius Júnior's goal that made it 1-0 for Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
A victory will move Madrid back within one point of league leader Barcelona, which won 3-1 at Elche on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Bellingham has scored one goal in his last seven matches with Madrid. He has six goals for the club this season.
