Israel moves closer to building controversial E1 settlement in West Bank
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Israel has cleared the final hurdle to begin construction of a highly contentious settlement project near Jerusalem that critics say would effectively split the occupied West Bank in two.
A government tender seeking bids from developers paves the way for the construction of the long-delayed E1 settlement, according to anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now.
The E1 project, located on open land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades but was repeatedly frozen under pressure from previous United States administrations. The tender, published on the Israel Land Authority website, calls for proposals to build 3,401 housing units. Peace Now said initial work could begin within weeks, describing the move as an accelerated push to advance construction.
The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal and a major obstacle to peace.
The E1 project is especially controversial because it would link Jerusalem to deep parts of the West Bank, undermining prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement policy, has strongly backed the plan, saying last year that settlement expansion was removing the idea of a Palestinian state from consideration.
Separately, Syrian and Israeli officials met in Paris on Tuesday in United States-mediated talks aimed at reducing tensions. A joint statement said the talks focused on Syria’s sovereignty, Israel’s security, and regional stability, and agreed to set up a joint communication cell under US supervision.
In Gaza, the United Nations said aid groups have enough food to meet minimum caloric needs for the first time since the war began, following increased deliveries after an October ceasefire. However, aid efforts remain strained after Israel revoked licenses of dozens of aid organisations, prompting criticism from the European Union.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 11 people were injured during an Israeli raid at Birzeit University. Israeli forces said they entered the campus to disperse a gathering that turned violent.
International media groups also criticised Israel’s continued ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza, urging the Supreme Court to lift the restriction.