Construction of substantial West Bank settlement receives Israeli government endorsement

In a move that has sparked international concern, the approval for the planning of the E1 neighborhood has been announced. The parcel of land, which lies between Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, is a 12sq km area that Israel has ambitions to build on.

The construction of homes on E1 is a controversial move due to its potential impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many believe that the settlement, if built, would undermine hopes for a contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has backed plans to build 3,400 homes on E1, a move that has been criticised by various parties. Aviv Tatarsky, a researcher at the Israeli anti-settlement organisation Ir Amim, stated that the approval of the planning for the construction of the E1 neighborhood demonstrates Israel's determination to pursue a strategic program that could bury the possibility of a Palestinian state and effectively annex the West Bank.

The construction of homes on E1, as predicted by Israeli NGO Peace Now, may further negatively impact the prospects for peace between Israel and Palestine. The organisation also predicts that infrastructure work in E1 could begin within a few months, and housing construction could start within about a year.

The potential construction of homes on E1 is a controversial move due to its perceived illegality under international law. All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission.

The UN chief Antonio Guterres has warned that constructing homes on E1 would "put an end to" hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He urged Israel to reconsider its decision, emphasising the importance of a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.

The move to construct homes on E1 has been stalled due to international opposition. Aviv Tatarsky called on the international community to take urgent and effective measures against the move, urging them to uphold international law and protect the prospects for peace in the region.

Guy Yifrach, the mayor of Maale Adumim, announced the approval of the planning for the construction of the E1 neighborhood. However, the question remains whether the construction will indeed go ahead, given the international opposition and the potential legal and political implications.

Excluding East Jerusalem, the West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians, as well as about 500,000 Israeli settlers. The construction of homes on E1 could further complicate the already complex situation, potentially exacerbating tensions and making a peaceful resolution more elusive.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community and various parties will closely watch Israel's actions regarding the E1 settlement. The decision could have far-reaching consequences, potentially altering the course of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the future of the region.