Paris - The French government on Monday fiercely criticized Israeli intentions to build nearly 900 new homes in occupied East Jerusalem.

"This decision (to build the homes) damages the viability of the future Palestinian state and the diplomatic process currently under way," a spokeswoman for the French foreign ministry said in an electronic press conference.

"We condemn the continuation of settlement activities and hereby restate our demand, which is contained in the peace road map ... for a complete freeze of settlement activities, including those linked to 'natural growth'," the spokeswoman said.

Israel said on Sunday it intended to build nearly 900 new homes in occupied East Jerusalem, and a spokesman for Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said the tenders for their construction would be published next week. (dpa)