Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — The European Union, joined by several international partners, has urged Israel to abandon its settlement expansion plans that threaten the two-state solution, warning that such actions would escalate instability rather than promote peace.

In a joint letter issued on Friday, the EU and its allies condemned the decision of Israel’s Higher Planning Committee to approve settlement construction in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, describing it as “unacceptable and a violation of international law.”

“We condemn this decision in the strongest terms and call on Israel to immediately withdraw it,” the statement declared. The letter also cited Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remarks acknowledging that the project would fragment Palestinian territory and restrict Palestinian access to Jerusalem, effectively making a two-state solution impossible.

According to the signatories, the plan would not serve the Israeli public but instead increase security risks, fuel violence, and distance prospects of peace. They urged the Israeli government to halt the advancement of the E1 plan, stressing that unilateral measures undermine regional stability and prosperity.

The letter, co-signed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers of allied countries, further reminded Israel of its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2334, demanding an end to settlement expansion and the lifting of financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.