The European Union warns of the implications of the “E1” project on the two-state solution and the geographical continuity of the West Bank.

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has warned that the implementation of the “E1” settlement project in the occupied West Bank will undermine the prospects for a two-state solution by splitting the West Bank and harming its geographical continuity. She emphasized that the situation in the West Bank is experiencing a severe deterioration with ongoing settler attacks on Palestinians, many of which go unpunished.

Kallas stated during a press conference following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in County Wicklow, Ireland, that the EU will continue to support the Gaza peace plan and work with its partners to achieve a two-state solution. She noted that this issue will be a focal point for diplomatic efforts during the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

Repeated European Warnings on the E1 Project

The European Union had warned last August that the implementation of the project would lead to the division of the West Bank and the isolation of East Jerusalem, undermining the possibility of establishing a geographically contiguous and viable Palestinian state. It called on the occupying authorities to halt the project and settlement expansion.

The “E1” project is located east of occupied Jerusalem and involves the construction of 3,401 settlement units. On August 18, the occupying authorities issued a new tender for the construction of 1,234 units as part of the plan.

Geographical and Legal Risks

The United Nations and the European Union warn that the implementation of the project will lead to severing geographical continuity between the northern and southern West Bank and separating East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings. The European Union asserts that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the “E1” area, are illegal under international law.