Egypt, Türkiye warn E1 settlement project undermines prospects for Palestinian statehood

CAIRO – 20 August 2026: Egypt and Türkiye on Thursday warned against Israel’s planned implementation of the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, stressing its serious threat to the unity of Palestinian territory.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, warned that the project separates East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings and undermines geographical contiguity between parts of the West Bank.

They stressed during a phone call that such developments would further undermine prospects for establishing an independent and viable Palestinian state.

The ministers emphasized that the project constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.

E1 Settlement Project

Israel has opened tenders for more than 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, a move that could divide the occupied West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and further undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.

The settlement plans have long faced international condemnation and are illegal under international law.

The E1 plan aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state and his extreme right-wing government’s persistent calls for “erasing” the idea of Palestinian statehood.

Egypt on Thursday condemned Israel’s move to implement the E1 settlement project, stressing that it aims to divide the West Bank and encircle and isolate East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings.

In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry said the project undermines the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian territories and threatens prospects for establishing an independent and viable Palestinian state, in a blatant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

Cairo also firmly rejected attempts to entrench a policy of fait accompli through illegal settlement expansion and changes to the legal and demographic status of the occupied Palestinian territories, which undermine prospects for implementing the two-state solution.

Egypt called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and take serious steps to halt these violations.

The country reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gaza Peace Plan

Abdelatty and Fidan also stressed the need to continue efforts to implement US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and press Israel to fulfill its obligations under the first phase and the roadmap.

They said this will pave the way for the second phase, including consolidating the ceasefire and advancing efforts toward peace and stability.

The ministers affirmed that Palestinian factions have responded positively regarding restricting weapons, stressing that the ball is now in Israel’s court.

They highlighted the necessity that Israel respond to efforts to implement the US peace plan and help create the conditions for carrying out the agreed arrangements.

These arrangements include an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid and the removal of obstacles preventing the agreed number of around 600 aid trucks from entering the Strip each day, they said.

They also include launching early-recovery and reconstruction projects, and enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, Palestinian police personnel and the international stabilization force to enter Gaza.