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Six European countries condemn Israeli settlement project in West Bank

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Six European nations, along with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, condemned Israel's E1 settlement project in the West Bank.
  • They stated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and that the E1 project undermines Palestinian territorial continuity.
  • The countries urged Israel to halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, and warned companies against participating in construction projects on E1.

France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Britain have jointly condemned Israel's decision to issue tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. They described the move as "unacceptable" and "preoccuping," asserting that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.

The decision of the "Zionist" government to publish tenders for construction projects within the framework of the E1 settlement project is unacceptable.

— Joint statementThe six European nations expressing their condemnation of the E1 settlement project.

In a joint statement relayed by the Élysée Palace, the six European nations emphasized that the E1 project "undermines the territorial continuity of the Palestinian territories." They highlighted that the situation in the West Bank has significantly deteriorated in recent months, with settler violence reaching unprecedented levels. The statement also noted serious restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy.

International law is clear: Zionist settlements in the West Bank are illegal.

— Joint statementThe European nations reiterating their stance on the legality of Israeli settlements.

The E1 settlement plan, approved by Israel in August 2025, aims to construct 3,400 housing units on a 12-square-kilometer area east of Jerusalem. This project is seen as particularly damaging because it would effectively divide the West Bank and obstruct the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. The United Nations, the European Union, and numerous international leaders have previously urged Israel to abandon the plan.

The E1 settlement will compromise the prospects for a two-state solution by creating a division across the West Bank and undermining the territorial continuity of the Palestinian Territories.

— Joint statementExplaining the strategic impact of the E1 settlement project.

Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have since aligned themselves with this joint declaration. The European nations further warned companies against bidding on construction projects in E1 or other settlements, cautioning them about potential legal consequences for their involvement. They also called on the Israeli government to end settlement expansion, hold accountable settlers who commit violent acts, and investigate alleged misconduct by Israeli forces.

In recent months, the situation in the West Bank has significantly deteriorated. Settler violence has reached unprecedented levels.

— Joint statementDescribing the escalating violence and instability in the West Bank.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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