Eight Arab and Muslim countries call for immediate action to halt the E1 plan, warning it threatens Palestinian territorial continuity and the two-state solution.
WEB DESK: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and six other Arab and Muslim countries have strongly condemned Israel’s continued settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territory and rejected the proposed E1 settlement plan east of occupied East Jerusalem.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Friday, calling for immediate international action against the plan.
Eight countries reject E1 plan
The ministers said they categorically rejected the E1 settlement plan and related settlement activities, describing the move as a dangerous escalation that could further advance settlement expansion and annexation.
They warned that the plan could undermine the geographical contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The countries also condemned violence and violations against Palestinians and their property, saying such actions violate international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Warning over two-state solution
The joint statement warned that measures undermining the two-state solution could further escalate regional tensions and threaten prospects for lasting peace.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent and geographically contiguous Palestinian state in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
They said actions that alter the geographical and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory could further undermine prospects for a political settlement.
Call for international accountability
The eight countries also backed efforts to establish accountability for entities and individuals responsible for settlement activities.
They called for appropriate international measures and sanctions against those responsible for illegal settlement activity, as well as those supporting, facilitating or implementing settlement expansion and annexation policies.
The ministers additionally called for an end to support or financing that contributes to the establishment, expansion or entrenchment of settlements.
UN Security Council urged to act
The foreign ministers called on the UN Security Council, states and relevant international actors to fulfil their responsibilities under international law.
They urged immediate and effective measures to halt settlement expansion, protect Palestinians and safeguard their right to self-determination.
The statement also called for the E1 plan to be halted and for measures taken under the plan to be reversed.
What is the E1 plan?
The E1 area lies east of occupied East Jerusalem and near the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim.
The proposed development has long drawn international concern because of its potential impact on territorial continuity between the West Bank and East Jerusalem and, consequently, the viability of a future Palestinian state.
The latest joint statement reflects growing diplomatic opposition to settlement expansion and comes alongside separate criticism from European countries over the E1 plans.
