The leaders of seven European countries have condemned Israel’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, describing the move as unacceptable and harmful to peace efforts.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands urged Israel to halt the planned construction and stop further expansion of settlements in the territory.

They said the E1 project would undermine the prospects for a two-state solution by disrupting the territorial continuity of the Palestinian territories and increasing tensions across the West Bank.

“International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal,” the statement said, adding that this position has been consistently reaffirmed by the international community and the United Nations Security Council.

The leaders also expressed concern over the timing of the project, citing heightened instability in the West Bank, increased settler violence against civilians and restrictions affecting the Palestinian economy.

They warned that moving forward with the settlement project would damage ongoing peace efforts and further weaken Israel’s international standing.

The joint statement also cautioned developers involved in the project about potential legal consequences, including the risk of violating international law.

Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister, Maxime Prévot, separately criticised the plan to build more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area, saying it would further isolate East Jerusalem and divide the northern and southern parts of the West Bank.

Prévot urged Israel to withdraw the construction tenders, abandon the E1 project and halt additional settlement expansion, reiterating support for a lasting peace based on a viable two-state solution.