Israel forces pushed into the outskirts of Gaza City and Netanyahu's government gave approval for a settlement to cut the occupied Palestinian territory in two

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.