Israel approves construction of 78 new homes in East Jerusalem

Jerusalem's municipal planning committee has authorised 78 new homes to be built in neighbourhoods of occupied East Jerusalem.

50 new housing units are to be built in Har Homa and 28 in Ramot, a municipal spokeswoman said.

Palestinian Authority officials criticised the move

"These decisions are a continuation of the Israeli government's policy to cause more tension, push towards further escalation and waste any chance to create an atmosphere for calm," said Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said.