In Israel and the Occupied Territories, the Israeli government has imposed new closures on the West Bank. The Israeli government has sealed off parts of the West Bank to prevent what it called anticipated Palestinian protests. The move comes just hours after Vice President Joe Biden left Israel after a trip marked by Israel’s announcement of building 1,600 new homes in an East Jerusalem settlement. On Thursday, Biden reiterated the Obama administration’s objection to the settlement plan and pinned the blame for Israel’s blockade of Gaza on Hamas.

Vice President Joe Biden: “Our policy and our concerns about Israel’s settlements remain unchanged. And while Hamas has condemned Gaza’s populace to misery and hopelessness, Israel too has a responsibility to address their many needs. That’s why we’re working with the Israeli government to do just that: address some of those legitimate needs without — without — further endangering Israel’s security.”

Despite the Obama administration’s criticism of the settlement plan, it has refused to call for cutting any of the billions in US aid to Israel until it accepts a settlement freeze. Israel has apologized for the timing of its announcement to build new homes, but has also refused to abandon the construction plan. Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi said Israel is trying to undermine peace talks.

Hanan Ashrawi: “Israeli deliberate measures at expanding settlement activities, at carrying out further building of illegal settlements in and around Jerusalem, all these are designed to scuttle all American efforts at trying to relaunch any kind of talks, be they direct or indirect, proximity or long-distance.”