Israel gave final approval for a settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, which Palestinians say could dash hopes for a future Palestinian state.

L ONDON -- A controversial Israeli settlement plan that would effectively split the West Bank in two is gaining momentum after a key government committee -- the Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration under the Defense Ministry -- gave its approval.

A move to increase an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank by over 3,500 housing units has been called a “total disregard for Palestinian self-determination” by an English bishop.