JERUSALEM, February 14, 2011 (WAFA) - The Local Committee for Construction and Planning in the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved Monday the construction of 120  housing units in the settlements Ramot Allon and Pisgat Ze’ev, both built in occupied East Jerusalem.

A source in the West Jerusalem municipality said that the construction process outside the 1967 borders is a part of the settlements’ expansion plan in Jerusalem.

Ir Amim, an Israeli organization exposing Israeli government settlements policies in East Jerusalem, called for cancelling the decision to give an opportunity for the peace process.

Ramot Allon is one of the largest settlements in northwestern Jerusalem. Part of its development goes into the West Bank on land belonging for Beit Iksa, Lifta and Beit Hanina.

Pisgat Ze’ev was established in 1984 northeast of Jerusalem over land belonging to Hizma and Beit Hanina. It has developed to reach the settlement of Neve Yaakov, north of the city.

Ramot Allon and Pisgat Ze’ev are also part of the “ring settlements” around East Jerusalem. The “ring settlements” are five suburban settlements built on territory captured by Israel in the June 1967 war. They include Neve Yaakov, Gilo, East Talpiot, Ramot and Pisgat Ze’ev. They are considered by the international community as illegal settlements.

Y.Y./M.A.