Eu Day Light

According to CCTV, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and Canada condemned the Israeli government’s decision to issue construction tenders for a settlement project in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.

The seven countries called on Israel to immediately withdraw the plans.

In the leaders’ joint statement, it was noted that implementing the E1 settlement project could sever the connection between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank, damage the territorial integrity of Palestinian lands and seriously weaken the prospects for a two-state solution.

The joint statement described Israel’s settlement plan in the E1 area as “unacceptable.” The leaders reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The statement noted that the decision was taken at a time when the West Bank is experiencing unprecedented levels of violence against civilians and the Palestinian economy is facing severe restrictions.

The seven countries called on Israel to end the expansion of settlement activity in the West Bank, stressing that the E1 project would further complicate peace efforts in the region and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.

The joint statement also said that expanding settlements could damage Israel’s international standing.

The leaders also warned companies against participating in the construction tenders. The statement said businesses taking part in the tenders could face the risk of involvement in serious violations of international law, as well as legal and reputational consequences.

The Israeli government on Tuesday issued a tender for 1,234 housing units as part of the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank.

The tender, published online by Israel’s Ministry of Construction and Housing, covers part of a broader project comprising a total of 3,401 housing units planned in the E1 area east of East Jerusalem.