15.08.2025 07:41
Israel's approval of the E1 area, which aims to expand its occupation by effectively separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, has faced strong reactions from many countries, including Turkey. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was said, "This step disregards international law and UN resolutions; it targets the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine and the basis for a two-state solution."
Israel has approved a new occupation plan that will completely eliminate the Palestinians. Reactions to the E1 area plan, which aims to cut off the de facto connection between the West Bank and the settlements seized from Palestinians in East Jerusalem, came quickly.
REACTION FROM TURKEY TO ISRAEL'S E1 AREA PLAN
Turkey also reacted to Israel's scandalous plan. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated: "We condemn Israel's approval of the plan to build settlements in the E1 area. This step, which will effectively separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem, disregards international law and United Nations resolutions; it targets the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine, the ground for a two-state solution, and hopes for lasting peace."
The realization of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with its capital in East Jerusalem and geographical integrity based on the 1967 borders, is the only way to achieve just and lasting peace in the region. We will continue to support the just cause and determined struggle of the Palestinian people."
REACTIONS ARE GROWING LIKE AN AVALANCHE
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares commented on the Israeli authorities' decision to advance the "E1" settlement plan, stating, "The Israeli government's decision to build 3,000 housing units in the West Bank is another violation of international law."
EU: WEAKENING THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION
A written statement from the office of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas reacted to the announcement that Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich plans to approve the "E1" project, which will expand the settlements seized from Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
The statement noted, "The Israeli authorities' decision to advance the E1 settlement plan not only further weakens the two-state solution but also violates international law."
HAMAS CALLS FOR MASS PROTESTS
Hamas has called for mass protests worldwide tomorrow against Israel's genocide in Gaza and its plans to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The statement said, "Let Friday be a day of anger, emphasizing support for Gaza and rejecting the plans to seize the West Bank."
ISRAEL'S E1 AREA PLAN
Israel's far-right Minister Smotrich announced plans to approve the "E1" project, which will expand the settlements seized from Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, to "eliminate the idea of a Palestinian state." The Israeli Civil Administration's High Planning Council is set to meet on August 20 to give final approval for the construction of 3,401 illegal housing units under the "E1" project.
THE AIM IS TO SEPARATE THE WEST BANK AND JERUSALEM
The Palestinian Authority and the international community, especially the European Union, are objecting to the "E1" project, which aims to sever the regions in the West Bank from each other and isolate Jerusalem from Palestinian territories on all sides. It is emphasized that this move will eliminate the chances of a two-state solution.
The "Ma'ale Adumim" settlement, built near the Palestinian neighborhood of Azariyeh, which is historically part of East Jerusalem but located on the West Bank side of the Separation Wall (Wall of Shame), was initiated to connect to the road leading to West Jerusalem.
In this context, more than 12,000 acres of Palestinian land have been seized to build over 4,000 illegal housing units and hotels in the region. The "E1" project aims to cut off and isolate the connection of East Jerusalem to the Palestinian territories in the West Bank.
MORE THAN 5,000 PALESTINIANS FACING THE THREAT OF EXPULSION
It is reported that more than 5,000 Palestinians could be expelled from their lands under this project. The United Nations considers Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories to be illegal. The International Court of Justice, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, stated in July 2024 that the occupying Israel must stop all "new settlement activities" and remove all Israelis from the Palestinian lands they have seized, but Israel rejected the decision.