Israel approved new settlements in the occupied West Bank, while its troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City. The developments raise questions about the viability of a cease-fire proposal.

The Palestinian Authority says the decision is illegal and will "destroy" the prospects for a two-state solution.

But a crucial roadblock — discouragement from the United States — was lifted last week when Ambassador Mike Huckabee said the United States would not oppose E1. Huckabee is a longtime support of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.