The state of Israel has announced that, it will be expanding its settlement plans in Jerusalem in a sector that was captured by the Israeli Defense Forces in the year 1967. The Palestinians on the other hand have long been claiming that the Jerusalem district belongs to Palestine. This latest decision from Jerusalem, has put a deeper strain on the relations between Israel and Palestine and has also put in jeopardy the peace plan proposed by U.S President Barack Obama.

Israel’s decision to expand its settlement plans in Jerusalem has angered the United States and the U.S State Department has issued an statement expressing its disappointment and has restated that the peace talks should be of paramount importance.

The construction plans are further complicated as Palestinian government has been in intense talks with the United Nations Security Council to recognize Palestine as a sovereign country even if Israel disapproves of it. However, Israel and the United States have both opposed this move by Palestine, as the United States is ready to recognize Palestine as a country only if an agreement is reached between the two middle eastern foes.

Furthermore, Sweden, whose foreign minister is also the President of the European Union has shown reluctance in providing support to the Palestinian initiative, stating that recognizing Palestine as a sovereign country would be “premature”.

Via New York Times.