Eight nations condemn Israel's E1 settlement plan

A coalition of eight nations has voiced strong opposition to Israel's E1 settlement expansion plan in the West Bank, denouncing it as a "dangerous escalation" that jeopardizes the prospects for peace. Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement Friday condemning the plan, which they argue advances settlement expansion and annexation.

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The E1 settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem

The ministers asserted that the E1 plan undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They expressed concern that the expansion threatens the viability and realization of an independent Palestinian state, directly challenging international peace efforts, including the U.S. administration's peace plan.

This latest joint condemnation follows a similar statement made just a day prior by European nations, including France, Germany, Britain, and Italy, who also labeled the project "unacceptable." The UK specifically indicated it was preparing targeted sanctions against individuals involved in the settlement expansion.

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Israel's plan involves constructing 3,412 new housing units in the E1 area, situated between Ma'aleh Adumim and Jerusalem, which would expand the settlement by approximately 12 square kilometers. The Civil Administration's Higher Planning Committee approved the project in 2025. Ma'aleh Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrach praised the plan as "tremendous" and "major" news, announcing the launch of the first 1,400 housing units. The condemning nations have called for "immediate action" to halt the plan, rescind related measures, and cease all settlement activities that alter the geographic and demographic character of the West Bank. They urged the UN Security Council and international actors to uphold international law and take measures to halt illegal settlement expansion and protect Palestinian rights.

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