Israel has recently granted final approval for a settlement project in the E1 area, which includes plans for 3,400 housing units. This move has sparked significant controversy, as it may sever the connection between the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, effectively dividing Palestinian territory into two parts. Construction in this area had been suspended for two decades due to strong international opposition, with critics arguing that the project undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
The plans, approved by a defense ministry committee, come amid a backdrop of increasing recognition of Palestinian statehood by various countries, a development that Israel has denounced. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the settlement project, labeling it illegal and stating that it threatens the viability of the two-state solution.
Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has established around 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, housing about 700,000 Jewish residents. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians currently reside in these areas. The majority of the international community considers these settlements illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this position.
The E1 settlement area, encompassing approximately 12 square kilometers, was formally approved by the Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Council. The defense ministry also granted approval for an additional 342 units in the Asael settlement. The Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, characterized the plans as a decisive action against the concept of a Palestinian state, suggesting a desire for further annexation of the West Bank.
Opponents of the E1 project argue that it would block the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state and fragment the West Bank into disconnected enclaves. The Palestinian Authority has called for international action to halt what it terms “colonial schemes.”International responses have varied, with some governments, including the UK and Germany, expressing concerns that the settlements violate international law and impede peace negotiations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg30l6myj3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss