Israel's parliament has passed a law retroactively legalising about 4,000 homes built on settlements in the occupied West Bank. The law passed by 60 votes to 52.<br/><br/>It states that the original Palestinian landowners will be compensated with money or alternative land. The new US President Donald Trump has taken a softer stance on Israel's settlements than his predecessor, Barack Obama, despite widespread international opposition.<br/><br/>Emboldened by the new US administration, Israel has undertaken a series of pro-settlement moves in recent weeks, including the approval of thousands of homes. Palestinians condemned the law.