Brussels [Belgium], August 22 (ANI): European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday (local time) criticised Israel's decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, calling it 'unacceptable' and warning that it undermines prospects for a two-state solution.

In a post shared on X, von der Leyen shared a joint statement issued by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria and Greece.

'The Israeli Government's decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable. We have long opposed this step. It undermines the two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and breaking the territorial continuity of the Palestinian Territories,' the statement and Ursula's X post read.

'We remain committed to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution,' she added.

https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2090876938369777680

The remarks came after Israel's plans to build a major settlement in the occupied West Bank drew criticism from several countries, according to Al Jazeera.

In a joint statement, the countries warned of 'legal and reputational consequences' for those involved.

'Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law,' the statement read.

'International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This is the position of the international community reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council. At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning,' the statement added.

The countries further urged Israel 'to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank'.

'We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel's international standing,' the statement further read.

'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,' it added.

According to Al Jazeera, the E1 project, which is planned to include around 3,400 housing units, would connect occupied East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim settlement area and divide the West Bank, potentially affecting the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state.

The report added that Israeli settlements in the occupied territory are considered illegal under international law, while settlement expansion has increased since the beginning of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023. (ANI)