Israel Approves Homes for Palestinians

Israel recently authorized 1,300 new homes to be built in Palestinian-controlled areas of Judea & Samaria. Because Israel has authority in these areas, Palestinians must receive permission to build legally. This permission is not easy to obtain. As a result, many Palestinians build homes illegally without proper permits. The move is seen as a goodwill gesture towards the United States, which has expressed concern over the severe housing shortage in the Palestinian enclave. Israel also approved the building of 3,000 new housing units for Jewish settlers in the area. Today, the territory is home to more than 2.5 million Palestinians and nearly 500,000 Jewish settlers. Please pray for more viable housing options for both Palestinians and Israelis, as there is a housing shortage throughout all parts of the country. Please also pray for wisdom for Israeli and Palestinian officials as they continue to negotiate ways to coexist, despite our differences.