International contention continues as eight more countries condemn Israel's E1 settlement plan

“The E1 settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem,” the Friday statement said.

According to the ministers, the plan threatens the “viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian [state]” and “constitutes a direct challenge to international efforts aimed at achieving peace, foremost among them [US] President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.”

These countries called the project “unacceptable,” with the UK adding it would prepare targeted sanctions against those involved in settlement expansion.

“Settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the two-state solution,” he added. “Austria stands firmly behind the joint statement on the E1 plans.”

A spokesperson for the US State Department told N12 News that the American government did not “support annexation,” noting that this stance was “already made clear” by Trump.

The issue surrounds the E1 project in which 3,412 new housing units are set to be built in an area in the West Bank located between Ma’aleh Adumim and Jerusalem, covering over 12 sq.km. The Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Committee approved the project in 2025.

Ma’aleh Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrach announced the launch of the area’s first 1,400 housing units on Wednesday, calling the plan “tremendous” and “major” news for his city and for Israel as a whole.

Calling for “immediate action” to halt this project, the foreign ministers urged Israel to “rescind all measures taken in connection with it, and cease all settlement activities and other measures aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Further, the statement addressed the UN Security Council and other international actors, asking them to “uphold their responsibilities under international law and take urgent and effective measures to halt illegal settlement expansion, and to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people and safeguard their inalienable rights.”

Reiterating that Palestinians have a right to self-determination, they also asked that such agencies help “realize their independent state in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.”

Additionally, the statement slammed the recent violent attacks carried out by extremist settlers in the West Bank, saying that such violence occurred under Israel’s support.

“Such acts in no way diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and constitute violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, while posing a serious threat to regional and international peace and security,” the statement said.