EU urges Israel to halt E1 settlement plan, warns of two-state solution risk
The European Union has called on Israel to stop the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, warning it undermines prospects for a two-state solution.
The European Union has urged Israel to cease the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, expressing concern that it jeopardizes the possibility of a two-state solution. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that the bloc's stance on Israeli settlements is unequivocal, stating that such initiatives are unlawful under international law.
Kallas highlighted that the Israeli government's authorization of over 1,200 housing units as part of the E1 plan significantly hampers the prospects for a two-state solution. This comes as the UK and other European nations joined the call for Israel to withdraw the E1 plan and cease expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Kallas noted that these actions occur amidst escalating instability and a surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with Israeli authorities prosecuting several individuals for such crimes. She called upon the Israeli government to withdraw the tender, halt all settlement expansion projects, and ensure accountability for those perpetrating violence.
Kallas reiterated the EU's dedication to a comprehensive and enduring peace based on a two-state solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, enabling Israel and Palestine to coexist within secure and recognized borders. The E1 settlement project, approved by the Israeli government in 1999 on Palestinian territory, spans approximately 12,000 dunams (12 million square meters).
The objective is to broaden Jerusalem's boundaries to incorporate three settlement clusters: Ma'ale Adumim to the east, Givat Ze'ev to the north, and Gush Etzion to the south, thereby forming a continuous settlement corridor and isolating Palestinian communities. The project also encompasses the Fabric of Life road, partially constructed near the separation barrier, connecting Anata village northeast of Jerusalem to Al-Za'im village east of the city, with additional segments planned to reach Al-Eizariya town, advancing the E1 construction blueprint.
Written by urgent.news from Ajel English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
