Greece, Cyprus and Australia were among 25 countries that signed a joint declaration condemning Israel’s plans to build settlements in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, calling them “unacceptable and a violation of international law.”
The statement, issued alongside the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, urges Israel to withdraw the plans immediately, warning that such actions “undermine security and fuel violence.”
“The approval of plans for the construction of settlements in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, by Israel’s Higher Planning Committee is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law. We strongly condemn this decision and demand its immediate cancellation,” the declaration read.
The signatories stressed that the plan, acknowledged by Israeli Minister Smotrich to hinder a two-state solution, would divide a future Palestinian state and limit Palestinian access to Jerusalem.
“Such actions bring no benefit to the Israeli people. On the contrary, they undermine security, fuel violence and instability, and push us further away from the prospect of peace,” the statement added.
It further urged Israel to halt the continuation of the E1 plan, end settlement construction in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and lift financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.
