Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.

Israel approved new settlements in the occupied West Bank, while its troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City. The developments raise questions about the viability of a cease-fire proposal.

Israel has approved a controversial illegal settlement project in the occupied West Bank, a move critics say could destroy the possibility of Israel has approved a controversial illegal settlement project in the occupied West Bank,