Israeli settlement building anywhere on occupied land is illegal and must be stopped, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said Saturday, after getting a closer look at some of the Israeli enclaves scattered across Palestinian-claimed territories. Read the full story

The international Quartet of Middle East peace mediators has called on Israel to freeze all settlement activity. Read the full story

Israel announced the construction of 1,600 homes in east Jerusalem yesterday, drawing criticism from Joe Biden, the US Vice-President, who is in the country trying to kick-start the peace process. Read the full story

Defense Minister Ehud Barak stressed the need for tough sanctions against Iran as he wrapped up meetings with senior American officials, even as the two allies have disagreed on the severity of punitive measures in recent days. Read the full story