Israel approves new homes for Palestinians in West Bank

Israel has approved the construction of 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in an area of the West Bank where it has full control, an Israeli official said.

The announcement for Area C housing came ahead of an expected visit to Israel by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner today to discuss a White House plan for an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord, Reuters reported.

Area C accounts for around 60% of the West Bank. Under 1993 interim accords, Israel has security and administrative control of the area, where most of its West Bank settlements are concentrated.