Leaders of six European nations on Thursday condemned the Israeli government's decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, calling on Israel to immediately retract the plans.
In a joint statement released by the Elysee Palace, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Britain described the move as "unacceptable," warning that it will sever the West Bank, harm the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories, and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.
Reaffirming that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the leaders noted that the decision came at a time of severe instability, marked by unprecedented levels of violence against civilians and heavy restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
The joint statement urged Israel to end its settlement expansion in the West Bank, emphasizing that the plans will move the region further from peace and damage Israel's international standing.
It also warned businesses against participating in the construction tenders, citing potential legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.
"We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest," the statement said.
Israel on Tuesday advanced plans for the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank, publishing a tender for 1,234 housing units.
The tender, published online by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, covers part of a wider plan for 3,401 housing units in E1, an area east of Jerusalem.
Gaza mediators say latest Israeli strikes undermine efforts to end conflict
Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar, which have been trying to mediate an end to the Gaza conflict, condemned recent Israeli strikes in the Palestinian enclave, urging Israel to meet its ceasefire obligations and avoid steps that could escalate tension.
Their joint statement followed Israeli strikes that have killed at least 16 Palestinians in Gaza since Tuesday, according to medics; Israel says it is targeting Hamas militants. US envoy Jared Kushner wrapped up a regional visit on Monday without advancing President Donald Trump's plan to end the war.
"The intensification of Israeli attacks undermines regional and international efforts at a critical juncture, as intensive efforts are under way to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," they said.
The international community and Trump's Board of Peace, which is overseeing the ceasefire, must take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and prevent further escalation, they added.
At least 1,283 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect last October, according to Gazan health officials, while the Israeli military says four Israeli soldiers have been killed.
Amid continuing Israeli attacks, 94% of the Gaza Strip's 2.1 million people need shelter and basic household assistance, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than four out of five families face critical or catastrophic living conditions in their current shelters, which lack fuel, energy and essential household items, affecting people's ability to sleep, cook, wash, store food and water, have adequate lighting, and cope with heat and cold.
(With input from agencies)
