RAMALLAH, Mar. 11 (JMCC) - Israel is in the various stages of implementing plans to build 50,000 new residential units in occupied East Jerusalem, according to the Israeli daily, Haaretz.

The story, which was published Thursday, confirms from the Israeli Interior Ministry what Palestinian officials have warned about Israel's aim to prejudice the outcome of negotiations by taking significant unilateral actions.

Palestinians demand East Jerusalem as the capital for their future state. The status of Jerusalem is considered one of the most complicated issues in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and has been classified as a final-status issue.

Israeli settlements in and around Jerusalem have already brought the two-state solution to near collapse, according to Palestinian officials. If all plans are implemented, a two-state solution which includes Jerusalem as a shared capital for both states will be impossible.

Read the full story from Haaretz...