Key Points
- Ministers condemn continued Israeli settlement policies in occupied Palestinian territory.
- E1 threatens Palestinian territorial contiguity between West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- Eight states reaffirm the two-state solution based on 1967 borders.
ISLAMABAD: Foreign ministers of eight Islamic states have categorically rejected Israel’s “E1” settlement plan and called for immediate international action to halt settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that the move threatens Palestinian statehood and regional peace.
The joint statement, issued in Islamabad on Friday by Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, condemned what the Israel’s continued illegal settlement policies and related activities in occupied Palestinian territory.
The ministers also condemned violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of Israeli occupying authorities, against Palestinians and their property.
They stressed that such actions could not diminish the “inalienable rights” of the Palestinian people and constituted violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, while posing a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.
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Joint Statement by Foreign Ministers of Eight Arab-Islamic States
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 21, 2026
E1 Plan rejected
The ministers warned that the E1 settlement plan represented a dangerous escalation because it would further advance settlement expansion and annexation while undermining the geographic contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
According to the statement, such developments threaten the viability and realisation of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The eight countries said the settlement measures also directly challenged international efforts aimed at achieving peace, particularly US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.
They noted that the plan unequivocally rejects annexation and forced displacement and includes mechanisms for its implementation, including through the Board of Peace.
The ministers also cited President Trump’s stated commitment to preventing the annexation of the West Bank, saying such commitments were aimed at achieving regional stability and bringing the conflict to an end.
Accountability demanded
The ministers reaffirmed that the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, remained the only viable path towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
They warned that actions aimed at undermining that solution risked further escalating tensions, threatening regional and international peace and security, and jeopardising prospects for lasting stability in the region.
The eight countries consequently expressed support for efforts to ensure accountability through appropriate international measures and sanctions against entities and individuals responsible for illegal settlement activities, including the E1 plan.
They also called for accountability for those supporting, facilitating or implementing policies of settlement expansion and annexation.
The ministers further urged an end to any support or financing contributing to the establishment, expansion or entrenchment of what they described as illegal settlements.
They argued that a lack of accountability contributed to the continuation of violations and further undermined prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.
Urgent action sought
The foreign ministers called for immediate action to halt the E1 settlement plan and rescind all measures taken in connection with it.
They also demanded an end to settlement activities and other measures aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The eight states called upon the UN Security Council, individual states and relevant international actors to uphold their responsibilities under international law and take “urgent and effective measures” to halt illegal settlement expansion.
Also Read: Palestinian President Welcomes International Joint Statement Condemning Israeli Settlement in Occupied Territories
They also urged the international community to ensure protection for the Palestinian people and safeguard their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and to realise an independent state.
Two-state solution reaffirmed
The ministers reiterated that any attempt to deny or undermine Palestinian statehood would further endanger prospects for peace and stability.
They maintained that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace could only be achieved through implementation of the two-state solution and establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The statement said efforts to undermine this framework risked further escalation and could jeopardise regional and international peace and security.
