Seven nations urge Israel to halt E1 settlement project in West Bank
Seven Western countries have called on Israel to cancel the E1 settlement plan, warning it threatens peace prospects and Palestinian territorial continuity.
Key Takeaways
AIThe United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway on Thursday called on Israel to immediately reverse its decision to issue tenders for the E1 settlement project and to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank.
In a joint statement, the seven countries said the project would undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and harm the territorial continuity of Palestinian lands. They reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
The statement noted that the decision comes amid instability in the West Bank, an unprecedented rise in settler violence against civilians, and severe restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
The countries also warned companies of the risks of being complicit in serious violations of international law by bidding for construction tenders related to the project, cautioning of potential legal consequences and reputational damage.
The seven nations reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, and pledged to continue efforts to support this goal.