Egypt and Jordan on Thursday condemned Israel’s move to advance the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that the plan threatens prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state.
In a statement, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemns” Israel’s implementation of the E1 settlement project, which it said “aims to divide the West Bank and encircle and isolate occupied East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings.”
The ministry called on the international community to “fulfill its responsibilities and take serious steps to halt the violations,” while reaffirming Egypt’s “support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned Israel’s decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 settlement units as part of the E1 project east of occupied Jerusalem.
Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Fuad Al-Majali said Amman “rejects absolutely” the E1 project and Israel’s continued settlement plans and activities in the occupied West Bank.
