UK Summons Israeli Ambassador Over E1 Settlement Construction Plan Approval

Strategic Insights -

The UK has summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely in response to Israel's approval of the E1 colonial settlement construction plan in the occupied West Bank. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and 21 international partners have condemned this decision, warning that it would be a flagrant breach of international law and undermine a two-state solution. The Israeli occupation authorities have approved the construction of the E1 colonial settlement project, which includes the building of 3,400 new colonial units on occupied Palestinian territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely over Israel's approval of the E1 colonial settlement construction plan in the occupied West Bank.
  • The UK, along with 21 international partners, has condemned the decision in the strongest terms, citing it as a flagrant breach of international law.
  • The Israeli Higher Planning Committee has approved plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, East of Jerusalem.
  • The E1 colonial settlement project involves the building of 3,400 new colonial units on occupied Palestinian territory, with the majority being built near the existing Maale Adumim colony.
  • The plan also includes 342 units in a new settlement in Asael, in the south of the West Bank.
  • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has described the approval of the settlement plans as "erasing" a Palestinian state "not with slogans but with actions".

Statistics:

  • 3,400: The number of new colonial units to be built in the E1 colonial settlement project.
  • 342: The number of units to be built in a new settlement in Asael, in the south of the West Bank.
  • 21: The number of international partners that have condemned the decision with the UK.

Sources:

  • WAFA - Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA)
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)