UAE, 7 countries condemn Israel’s ‘E1’ settlement plan in occupied Palestinian territories

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have issued a strong, unified condemnation of Israel's ongoing settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They unequivocally rejected the "E1" settlement plan and related activities east of occupied East Jerusalem, deeming them illegal and a violation of international law.

The ministers also reiterated their denunciation of settler violence against Palestinians, supported by Israeli occupying authorities. They stressed that these actions do not diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and pose a significant threat to regional and international peace and security. The "E1" plan, in particular, was warned to be a dangerous escalation that advances settlement expansion and annexation, undermining the geographical contiguity of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

This move directly challenges international peace efforts, including President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan, which explicitly rejects annexation and forced displacement. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution, based on international law and UN resolutions, as the sole viable path to a just and lasting peace. They cautioned that undermining this solution risks further escalating tensions and jeopardizing prospects for regional stability.

In response to the continued violations, the ministers expressed support for all efforts to ensure accountability, including potential international measures and sanctions against those involved in illegal settlement activities. They called for an immediate halt to the "E1" settlement plan and urged an end to any support or financing that facilitates the establishment or expansion of illegal settlements, noting that a lack of accountability perpetuates these violations.