Post by : Shweta
Foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have jointly condemned Israel's continued settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and rejected the E1 settlement plan east of occupied East Jerusalem. The statement was issued in Doha on August 21, 2026, according to Qatar News Agency.
The eight countries said they reject settlement policies and what they described as violence and violations committed by settlers against Palestinians and their property. The ministers said such actions undermine international peace efforts and conflict with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Eight Countries Reject E1 Settlement Plan
The foreign ministers described the E1 settlement plan as a dangerous escalation. They warned that further settlement expansion could affect the territorial connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, an issue that is central to discussions about the future of a Palestinian state.
The ministers said the plan could make it more difficult to establish what they described as an independent, geographically contiguous and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Ministers Warn of Regional Tensions
According to the joint statement, the countries believe continued settlement expansion could increase tensions across the region and create further challenges for international peace efforts. They said measures that undermine a two-state solution could have wider consequences for regional and international security.
The ministers reaffirmed their position that the two-state solution, based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, remains the preferred path toward what they described as a just and lasting peace.
Call for Accountability and Sanctions
The eight countries also called for stronger accountability over settlement-related activities. They said appropriate international measures, including possible sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or supporting settlement expansion, should be considered.
The ministers also called for an end to financial or other support that contributes to the establishment, expansion or entrenchment of settlements. They argued that a lack of accountability could allow disputed settlement activities to continue.
UN Security Council Urged to Act
The foreign ministers called on the United Nations Security Council, individual states and other international actors to take urgent action. They urged the international community to work toward stopping settlement expansion and protecting Palestinian rights.
The statement also called for measures to support Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent state in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Focus on East Jerusalem and West Bank
The E1 area, located east of Jerusalem, has remained one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlement development in the area is closely linked to broader disputes involving Jerusalem, the West Bank, borders and Palestinian statehood.
The eight countries said the E1 plan should be halted and called for measures taken under the plan to be revoked. They also urged an end to settlement activities and other measures that they said could alter the geographical and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Two-State Solution Remains Central
The ministers reiterated their support for a two-state solution and said efforts should focus on creating conditions for a comprehensive and lasting peace. They warned that continued measures that undermine this framework could further increase instability.
The joint statement adds to ongoing international diplomatic pressure surrounding Israeli settlement policies and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The issue is expected to remain a major subject of international debate as countries continue discussions about Palestinian statehood and regional peace.
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