Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom issued a sharply worded joint statement condemning escalating Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, warning that developments in the E1 corridor could fatally undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.
The seven countries said the situation in the occupied West Bank had “deteriorated significantly” in recent months, describing settler violence as reaching “unprecedented levels” and accusing the Israeli government of entrenching its control over Palestinian territory.
The leaders reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and specifically warned against construction projects in the controversial E1 area.
According to the statement, development in the E1 corridor would effectively divide the West Bank into two separate areas, undermining the possibility of a viable Palestinian state and constituting “a serious breach of international law.”
The countries also urged businesses to avoid participating in construction tenders linked to E1 or other settlement projects. They warned companies of potential legal and reputational consequences associated with involvement in settlement construction, including risks linked to serious violations of international law.
The joint declaration called on the Israeli government to end settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations involving Israeli forces. The leaders also urged Israel to respect Jordan’s Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites and maintain the historic status quo arrangements.
Additionally, the countries called for the lifting of financial restrictions affecting the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy.
The statement strongly rejected calls by some Israeli political figures advocating the annexation of Palestinian territories and the forcible displacement of Palestinians.
Reaffirming support for diplomacy, the seven nations emphasized their commitment to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution, in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They said their vision remains one in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully, “side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.”
