Britain and France have both summoned Israeli ambassadors in protest at Israel's decision to approve the construction of 3,000 new homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, BBC News reported.

The UK said the move would cast doubt on Israel's "stated commitment to achieving peace with the Palestinians".

Israel authorised the 3,000 additional housing units a day after the UN voted to upgrade Palestinian status.

The UN warned the homes would be "an almost fatal blow" to peace hopes.

Sweden also summoned the Israeli ambassador, while Russia and Germany expressed their opposition to the settlement plans.