Pakistan among 8 Muslim countries reject Israel’s 'E1' settlement plan in East Jerusalem

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Friday condemned Israel’s settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, rejecting its proposed “E1” settlement plan.

In a joint statement, the ministers said the plan represented a dangerous escalation of settlement expansion and annexation and threatened the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state.

They also condemned violence and other violations allegedly carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property, saying such actions violated international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The ministers warned that the E1 plan could further undermine the geographical connection between the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, threatening prospects for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They said the settlement plan also challenged international efforts to end the conflict, including US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which they said rejected annexation and forced displacement.

Reaffirming their support for a two-state solution, the ministers said it remained the only viable path to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.

They called for international accountability, including possible measures and sanctions against individuals and entities involved in settlement expansion and annexation.

The ministers also urged an end to financial and other support contributing to the establishment or expansion of Israeli settlements.

They called for the immediate suspension of the E1 plan and urged Israel to halt settlement activities and measures aimed at changing the demographic and geographic character of the occupied Palestinian territories.

They further called on the UN Security Council and the international community to take urgent action to protect Palestinians, uphold their right to self-determination and support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international law.