PARIS, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of six European nations on Thursday condemned the Israeli government's decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, calling on Israel to immediately retract the plans.
In a joint statement released by the Elysee Palace, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Britain described the move as "unacceptable," warning that it will sever the West Bank, harm the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories, and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.
Reaffirming that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the leaders noted that the decision came at a time of severe instability, marked by unprecedented levels of violence against civilians and heavy restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
The joint statement urged Israel to end its settlement expansion in the West Bank, emphasizing that the plans will move the region further from peace and damage Israel's international standing.
It also warned businesses against participating in the construction tenders, citing potential legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.
"We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest," the statement said.
Israel on Tuesday advanced plans for the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank, publishing a tender for 1,234 housing units.
The tender, published online by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, covers part of a wider plan for 3,401 housing units in E1, an area east of Jerusalem. ■