UAE, 7 other Muslim nations condemn Israeli settlement expansion, reject 'E1' West Bank plan

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt unequivocally condemn Israel's continued illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically reject the "E1" settlement plan and related settlement activities east of occupied East Jerusalem.

"The Ministers call for immediate action to ​halt the "E1" settlement plan, 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," they said ‌in a ‌joint statement, adding ⁠that the plan ‌constituted a "dangerous escalation" that further advanced settlement ⁠expansion and ​annexation of Palestinian lands.

They further reiterate their condemnation of the violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property. They stress that 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 Ministers warned that 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, thereby threatening the viability and realisation of an independent, contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. Such actions constitute a direct challenge to international efforts aimed at achieving peace, foremost among them President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan, including its unequivocal rejection of annexation and forced displacement, and the mechanisms envisaged for its implementation, including through the Board of Peace, as well as President Trump's firm commitment to not allow annexation of the West Bank, with a view to achieving stability and bringing the conflict to an end.

The Ministers reaffirm that the two- State solution, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, remains the only viable path towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. They warn that actions aimed at undermining this solution risk further escalating tensions, threatening regional and international peace and security, and jeopardizing prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region.

In this context, the Ministers support all efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, including through appropriate international measures and sanctions against entities and individuals responsible for illegal settlement activities, including the "E1" settlement plan, as well as those supporting, facilitating or implementing policies of settlement expansion and annexation. They further call for an end to any support or financing that contributes to the establishment, expansion or entrenchment of illegal settlements. They stress that the lack of accountability contributes to the continuation of violations and further undermines prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.

The Ministers call for immediate action to halt the "E1" settlement plan, 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. They further call upon the United Nations Security Council, all States and relevant international actors 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, safeguard their inalienable rights, including their right to self- determination, and realize their independent State, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

WAM