Israel to expand settlements in Gaza Strip

Israel is reported to be preparing to double the size of one of its settlements in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli housing ministry has published a tender to build a hundred new homes on the site at Nisanitin the north of the strip, which currently houses nearly five hundred people.

Correspondents say the decision is likely to be strongly contested; the Palestinian leadership opposes Israeli construction in disputed territories, saying it prejudices negotiations over their future.

But the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, defends the building programme as necessary to accomodate population growth.

The opposition Peace Now movement says the announcement is aimed at provoking confict between Israel and the Palestinians.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service