Belgium, along with several European and other nations, has condemned Israel’s decision to proceed with construction tenders for the E1 settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement released on Friday, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom expressed their disapproval of the move, calling it “unacceptable.” The governments emphasized that the E1 settlement would divide the West Bank, thereby undermining the possibility of a viable two-state solution. They reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and cited relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The E1 settlement, located in the heart of the West Bank, is designed to separate occupied East Jerusalem from nearby Palestinian communities. This strategic location means the project could significantly disrupt the territorial contiguity of the West Bank, making it harder for Palestinians to establish a contiguous and sovereign state. The E1 area is also historically significant, as it lies close to the city of Ramallah and is considered vital for future Palestinian governance. The European Union and its member states have long maintained that such expansions violate international law and hinder peace efforts. Meanwhile, in the northern West Bank, Israeli authorities have begun reestablishing settlements, including the return of settlers to Kadim, a village previously evacuated in 2005. Over thirty families have relocated to Kadim, marking a symbolic and practical shift in Israeli policy toward expanding settlements. These settlers arrived in small groups, some escorted by military personnel, carrying belongings and construction materials. Their presence has drawn concern from local Palestinians, who fear the implications of renewed settlement activity. A Palestinian farmer recounted witnessing the initial construction of Kadim as a child, followed by its evacuation, and now fears the return of settlers will lead to further displacement and conflict. The Israeli government has lifted a 20-year ban on Jewish settlements in the area around Jenin, allowing the reopening of Kadim, Ganim, Sanur, and Homesh. This change comes amid a broader strategy to accelerate settlement expansion ahead of upcoming Israeli elections in October. According to Hagit Ofran of the Settlement Watch program at Peace Now, the rapid pace of construction reflects a deliberate effort to consolidate control over disputed territories. Recent approvals include over 100 new settlements, with 19 specifically located in the northern West Bank. One such settlement, Emek Dotan, has already welcomed nearly two dozen families, raising tensions with neighboring Palestinian communities. Local Palestinians, such as teacher Samer Jaber, have reported increased harassment and surveillance by settlers. He described instances of settlers filming him and his family, entering their homes uninvited, and using floodlights to illuminate their residences overnight. These tactics have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Palestinian residents, who feel increasingly vulnerable to encroachment and intimidation. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians living in areas targeted for settlement expansion, where daily life is increasingly disrupted by the presence of settlers. In parallel, a coalition of over 100 former British and French diplomats has issued a public letter urging immediate action against Israel’s policies, which they describe as an attempt to erase Palestine from the map. The letter accuses Israel of engaging in ethnic cleansing and calls for measures such as trade and arms sales bans to compel Israel to recognize a Palestinian state. The signatories, many of whom have extensive experience in Middle Eastern diplomacy, argue that Britain and France, having played a pivotal role in shaping the region, now bear a moral obligation to support Palestinian self-determination. The letter was sent to President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, emphasizing the need for decisive intervention to preserve the two-state solution. As the situation continues to evolve, international attention remains focused on the potential impact of these developments on the prospects for peace. With Israeli elections approaching, the government’s continued expansion of settlements raises concerns about the long-term stability of the region and the viability of diplomatic solutions. The coming months will likely see heightened scrutiny of Israel’s actions, both domestically and internationally, as the global community grapples with the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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