Nine Western Nations Urge Israel to Halt West Bank Settlement Expansion

It said settlements violate international law and warned construction companies against bidding on projects in the E1 area east of occupied East Jerusalem.

The statement described the E1 plan as a project that would build thousands of new housing units over 12 square kilometres. It said the development would link the Ma’ale Adumim settlement with Jerusalem and divide the West Bank in two. More than 700,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The statement added that Israeli policies are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution. “Over the past few months, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. Settler violence is at unprecedented levels.

The countries called on Israel to end settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces. They also urged respect for the historic status quo at Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the lifting of financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.

“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of participating in settlement construction, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law,” the statement said.

The joint statement followed a tense week in European-Israeli relations after a video showed foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla being held in Israel. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted the video of the activists cable-tied and kneeling while Israel’s national anthem played.

Several countries summoned Israeli ambassadors. ” On Thursday, Israel deported hundreds of the activists. Some reported abuse while in custody and several were hospitalised with injuries.