Israel gave final approval for a settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, which Palestinians say could dash hopes for a future Palestinian state.

L ONDON -- A controversial Israeli settlement plan that would effectively split the West Bank in two is gaining momentum after a key government committee -- the Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration under the Defense Ministry -- gave its approval.

Israel approved a controversial project to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, billed as dashing hopes of Palestinian statehood, a move condemned by several international governments.