EU Stands With Palestinians, Prepares Tough Measures Against Israel

The European Union and several other countries have strongly opposed Israel’s plan to divide the occupied West Bank through a new settlement project. The EU is preparing possible measures against Israel over its plan to expand settlements in the E-1 area.

According to Al Jazeera and Gulf News, the EU is considering sanctions in areas including trade, education, security and diplomatic relations if Israel proceeds with construction in the E-1 area.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt have also rejected the Israeli settlement plan. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway have described the project as unacceptable.

In a joint statement on Thursday (August 20), the countries urged Israel to withdraw the plan. They also warned businesses of potential legal and reputational risks if they become involved in settlement construction.

The E-1 area is considered strategically sensitive. Large-scale settlement construction there could divide the West Bank into northern and southern parts and weaken the geographical connection between East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank.

Palestinians fear the project could make it more difficult to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.