Eight Arab and Islamic nations unite to condemn Israel’s E1 settlement plan, warning it threatens Palestinian statehood, regional stability and the future of peace, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Qatar and seven other Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned Israel’s continued settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, warning that the controversial E1 settlement plan threatens the future of an independent Palestinian state and could further destabilise the region.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt expressed their “unequivocal condemnation” of Israel’s settlement policies and their complete rejection of the proposed E1 development east of occupied East Jerusalem.
The E1 area, located east of Jerusalem and between the city and the large Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, has long been at the centre of international concern. Palestinians and many governments have warned that large-scale settlement development there could fragment the West Bank by creating a physical barrier between its northern and southern areas.
The ministers said the plan represented a dangerous escalation that would accelerate settlement expansion and annexation while undermining the geographical contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory.
They warned that development in the E1 area could further separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem, making it increasingly difficult to establish an independent, viable and geographically contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The joint statement also condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property, which the ministers said was taking place with the support of Israeli occupation authorities.
They said such actions violated international law and relevant United Nations resolutions and posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.
The ministers stressed that settlement expansion would not diminish what they described as the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
They also argued that the latest measures posed a direct challenge to international efforts to achieve peace, including President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace plan.
According to the statement, Trump’s plan rejects annexation and forced displacement and includes mechanisms aimed at supporting stability and ending the conflict. The ministers also highlighted what they described as Trump’s commitment not to allow the annexation of the West Bank.
The eight countries reaffirmed that the two-state solution remained the only viable route towards achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
They warned that further measures aimed at undermining the prospects of a Palestinian state would increase tensions and threaten peace and stability across the region.
The ministers also called for greater accountability for settlement activity, backing appropriate international measures and possible sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for illegal settlement expansion.
They urged an end to financial or other support that could contribute to the construction, expansion or entrenchment of settlements.
“The absence of accountability contributes to the continuation of violations and further undermines prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace,” the statement said.
The countries called for immediate action to halt the E1 settlement plan, revoke measures already taken under it and stop all settlement activity aimed at changing the geographical and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory.
They also urged the United Nations Security Council, governments and other international actors to take urgent and effective measures to halt settlement expansion, protect Palestinians and support their right to self-determination.
