The Israeli district committee for planning and building in occupied Jerusalem approved the construction of 650 housing units in Bzjat Ze'ev settlement, which was established in 1985 on Palestinian lands in Beit Hanina and Hazma, north of the holy city.
Specialist in maps and settlement activities Khalil Tufkaji said the plan was really endorsed and announced in newspapers for objection.
Tufkaji explained that these units are part of a bigger plan to build 85, 000 housing units and structures until the year 2030 in Jerusalem.
The specialist noted that this has been the third announcement related to the expansion of Bzjat Ze'ev settlement since the start of 2011.
He added that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has surveyed the area to expand Bzjat Ze'ev and is about to finish the building of street no. 20 in Beit Hanina in the few coming months.
This new street is obviously aimed at strengthening Israel's grip on Jerusalem and changing its Arab identity, where it will connect the settlement of Pisgat Ze'ev, Prophet Jacob, Anatot, Shuafat and Beit Hanina, the specialist stated.
