Europe’s Major Nations Urge Israel to Suspend West Bank Settlement Plans

On Thursday, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany denounced Israel’s announcement of construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, stating that the move jeopardizes prospects for a two‑state solution, according to Anadolu.

The four governments described the expansion as “unacceptable” and warned that the E1 development would “undermine the prospect of a two‑state solution by fragmenting the West Bank and compromising the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian territories.”

The governments reiterated that the international community has long opposed settlement expansion and has consistently voiced its concerns to Israel, both privately and publicly.

“International law is unequivocal: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal,” they asserted, noting that this stance has been reaffirmed by the UN Security Council.

The four countries also voiced concern over the broader situation in the West Bank, citing “unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians” and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

They called on Israel to immediately withdraw these plans and to halt further settlement expansion in the West Bank.

“Not only will this move push us further from peace, but it will also further undermine Israel’s international standing,” they warned.

The governments further urged businesses to refrain from bidding on construction tenders linked to the project, cautioning that participation could entail “legal and reputational consequences” and may constitute “serious breaches of international law.”

The statement reaffirmed the four countries’ commitment to a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace grounded in a two‑state solution.”

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