Denmark, Greece, France, Latvia, and the United Kingdom have warned businesses against seeking contracts for Israel’s E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. The E5 group, a coalition of five nations on the UN Security Council, called the development a “deliberate and direct attack” on the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state, warning it risks unprecedented annexation and forced displacement.
Why are the E5 nations opposing the E1 settlement project?
The E5 group issued their warning ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on Palestine. They argue that developing the E1 tract, located east of Jerusalem, would effectively divide the West Bank into two separate sections. This geographic split, according to the group, would further isolate East Jerusalem and destroy the contiguity required for an independent Palestinian state.
The project has been a point of international contention for over two decades. While the land has been under consideration for development for years, previous U.S. administrations applied pressure to keep the project frozen. However, Israel has now approved more than 3,400 housing units for the E1 area.
What are the humanitarian risks reported to the UN Security Council?
Itay Epshtain, a special adviser on international law at the Norwegian Refugee Council, provided a briefing to the council regarding the human cost of West Bank developments. He reported that field assessments show Palestinian families are facing collapsing livelihoods and deteriorating shelter conditions.
Epshtain highlighted a specific trend in displacement patterns. He stated that more than 70 per cent of displaced households reported facing threats against women and children, including sexualised threats. He argued that forced transfer often happens through “accumulated coercion”—a combination of demolished homes, lost livelihoods, and a lack of protection—rather than a single official order.
How is “accumulated coercion” defined by experts?
According to Mr. Epshtain, displacement persists because the international response remains fragmented. He urged the Security Council to apply existing international laws to hold Israel accountable as the “occupying power.”
How has the Israeli government responded to these allegations?
Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, rejected the claims that the country deliberately targets civilians. Speaking to the Security Council, Danon argued that the council has repeatedly recycled the same allegations since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
Danon maintained that Israel’s military actions are focused on security rather than civilian harm. “Israel does not target civilians. Israel does not target journalists. Israel targets terrorists,” Danon stated. He further accused the United Nations of operating on “anti-Israel autopilot,” claiming that the UN repeats allegations and then seeks global condemnation based on those same claims.
- E5 Group: Focuses on the political viability of a two-state solution and the risk of annexation.
- Norwegian Refugee Council: Focuses on the humanitarian impact, specifically displacement and threats to vulnerable households.
- Israeli UN Envoy: Focuses on counter-terrorism and the rejection of perceived institutional bias within the UN.
What claims were made regarding settler violence and funding?
Palestinian journalist Mariam Barghouti addressed the Security Council via video link to discuss the environment in the West Bank. She accused the Israeli government of actively encouraging violence by settlers through specific legislation and Hebrew-language media coverage.
Barghouti also raised concerns regarding international involvement in the conflict. She claimed that US-based charities are currently fundraising to provide military-grade weapons to Israeli settlers operating in the West Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries belong to the E5 group?
The E5 group consists of
