Israel called to account over homes

Israel’s approval of 3,000 new homes on occupied territory has drawn sharp condemnation from European allies with at least three governments summoning ambassadors over an action they say undermines an already troubled peace process.

The Israeli envoy to Paris was called to a meeting as France, which was the first major European country to announce support for the Palestinian effort to win recognition at the UN, also wrote to the Israeli government, calling the settlement decision “a considerable obstacle to the two-state solution.”