欧盟敦促以色列停止推进“E1区”定居点计划

Core Points - The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, urged Israel to halt its plans for settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank, warning that such actions would undermine the viability of the two-state solution and violate international law [1] - The statement emphasized that if Israel proceeds with the E1 settlement plan, it would permanently sever the geographical and territorial contiguity between occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as disrupt the connection between northern and southern West Bank [1] - The EU reiterated its call for Israel to cease settlement activities, including demolitions, forced relocations, evictions, and housing confiscations, highlighting that these unilateral actions, along with ongoing settler violence and military operations, are exacerbating local tensions and eroding the prospects for peace [1] Settlement Construction Plans - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to approve the construction of 3,401 housing units in the E1 area, which is situated between the Ma'ale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem and the West Bank, with the intention of undermining the concept of a Palestinian state [1] - The Israeli government had previously frozen the E1 settlement construction plans for an extended period [1] Historical Context - Israel has occupied East Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, consistently ignoring international opposition to the illegal construction and expansion of settlements [2] - According to a report released by the Israeli government in December, approximately 510,000 Israelis reside in settlements built in violation of international law in the West Bank [2]