Israel has given final approval for a controversial settlement project that would effectively cut the occupied West Bank in two.

An Israeli planning committee on Wednesday gave final approval to a controversial plan allowing new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The plan calls for development in an open tract of land east of Jerusalem,

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced strong criticism on Wednesday of Israel's go-ahead for a highly contested settlement project in the occupied West Bank. "Such plans, if implemented, would be contrary to international law and would make a two-state solution impossible,