Quotes of the Day

"With such an announcement, how can you build trust? This is destroying our efforts to work with Mr. Mitchel. It's a really disastrous situation. I hope that this will be an eye-opener for all in the international community about the need to have the Israeli government stop such futile exercises."

- Palestinian lead negotiator Saeb Erekat, on Israeli's announcement of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians."

- Vice President Joe Biden

"It is now clear that the Israeli government is not interested in negotiating nor is it interested in peace. The American administration must respond to this provocation with actual measures, as it is no longer possible to just turn the other cheek, and massive American pressure is required in order to compel Israel to abandon its peace destroying behavior.”

- Nabil Abu-Rudeina, spokesman for the Palestinian Authority