Dr. Erekat calls the new Israeli decision to construct illegal housing units as ''another slap in the face.”

With Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas scheduled to meet tomorrow, the Government of Israel decided to construct 884 housing units in the Har Homa and Pisgat Zeev settlements (built on lands belonging to the Palestinian villages of Shu’fat and Beit Hanina).

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat described the move as ''yet another slap in the face of the international peace efforts to reach an agreement between Israelis and Palestinians by the end of 2008.’’ He also noted that settlement expansion constitutes ''a violation of international law as well as renewed Israeli commitments under the internationally-backed Roadmap peace plan, which obliges Israel to halt all construction of settlements.’’

Israel reaffirmed its commitments to the Roadmap at last November’s peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland. However, it announced plans to expand Har Homa and other settlements shortly thereafter.

Dr. Erekat noted the “inauspicious” timing of the decision. ''Despite the scheduled meeting between the Palestinian President and the Israeli Prime Minister, Israel continues its settlement expansion. Palestinian President Abbas intends to launch a strong protest at tomorrow’s meeting. The President also calls on all members of the Quartet to revoke such Israeli orders and give peace a chance.’’