TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future ...

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.

Israel says it's begun the first stages of operations to take over Gaza City, which it says is a Hamas stronghold. It comes amid growing international and domestic pressure on Israel to end the nearly two-year-long war.