Eight Nations Led by Saudi Arabia Reject Israeli E1 Settlement Plan

In a unified display of diplomatic resolve, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement on August 21, 2026, unequivocally condemning Israel’s continued illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically rejecting the E1 settlement plan. The statement, released via the Saudi Press Agency, underscores the collective stance of these nations against actions that threaten the viability of a two-state solution and regional peace.

Context and Background

The E1 settlement plan, located east of occupied East Jerusalem, has long been viewed as a critical obstacle to Palestinian territorial contiguity. The plan would sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem, undermining the possibility of an independent, contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines. The joint statement emphasizes that such actions constitute violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

Key Details of the Joint Statement

The ministers warned that the E1 plan represents a dangerous escalation that advances settlement expansion and annexation. They reiterated their condemnation of settler violence perpetrated with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities against Palestinian people and property. The statement also called for accountability, urging appropriate international measures and sanctions against entities and individuals responsible for illegal settlement activities, including those who support, facilitate, or implement such policies.

Furthermore, the ministers demanded an immediate halt to the E1 plan, rescission of all related measures, and an end to all settlement activities that alter the geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They called upon the United Nations Security Council and all states to uphold their responsibilities under international law and take urgent, effective measures to protect the Palestinian people and safeguard their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination.

International Implications

The joint statement directly challenges Israel’s policies and aligns with international efforts, including President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan, which explicitly rejects annexation and forced displacement. By reaffirming the two-state solution as the only viable path to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, the ministers warned that actions undermining this solution risk further escalating tensions and jeopardizing stability in the region. The collective voice of these eight nations signals a strong diplomatic front against any moves that would undermine the peace process.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this joint statement reflects its commitment to regional stability and its role as a key diplomatic player on the global stage. This aligns with Vision 2030’s broader goals of fostering international partnerships and promoting peace, as the Kingdom continues to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and a just resolution to the conflict. The statement underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to upholding international law and supporting a peaceful, prosperous future for the region.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the E1 settlement plan?

A1. The E1 settlement plan is a proposed Israeli settlement development in the area east of occupied East Jerusalem, which would cut off the West Bank from Jerusalem, undermining the contiguity of a future Palestinian state.

Q2. Which countries issued the joint statement?

A2. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt issued the joint statement on August 21, 2026.

Q3. What is the significance of the E1 plan?

A3. The E1 plan would sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem, making it nearly impossible to establish a contiguous, independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Q4. What does the joint statement condemn?

A4. The statement unequivocally condemns Israel’s illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically rejects the E1 settlement plan and related activities east of occupied East Jerusalem.

Q5. What do the ministers say about settler violence?

A5. They reiterate their condemnation of violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property.

Q6. How does the E1 plan affect the two-state solution?

A6. The plan undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, threatening the viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian state, thus challenging the two-state solution.

Q7. What international efforts are referenced?

A7. The statement references President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan, including its rejection of annexation and forced displacement, and the Board of Peace mechanisms.

Q8. What is the Board of Peace?

A8. The Board of Peace is part of President Trump’s proposed plan, intended to oversee implementation mechanisms for achieving stability and ending the conflict, as mentioned in the joint statement.

Q9. What does the statement say about accountability?

A9. The ministers support all efforts to ensure accountability, including international measures and sanctions against those responsible for illegal settlement activities, including the E1 plan.

Q10. What is the call regarding support and financing?

A10. They call for an end to any support or financing that contributes to the establishment, expansion, or entrenchment of illegal settlements.

Q11. What immediate actions do the ministers demand?

A11. They call for immediate action to halt the E1 settlement plan, rescind all measures taken in connection with it, and cease all settlement activities altering the character of the occupied territory.

Q12. Who is urged to act?

A12. The United Nations Security Council, all states, and relevant international actors are urged to uphold their responsibilities under international law and take urgent measures.

Q13. What rights are safeguarded?

A13. The statement emphasizes the protection of the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination.

Q14. How does the statement view the two-state solution?

A14. It reaffirms that the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, remains the only viable path towards a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.

Q15. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency?

A15. The Saudi Press Agency released the joint statement, serving as the official channel for the ministers’ message.

Q16. How does this align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic leadership in this matter reflects its commitment to regional stability and international cooperation, key pillars of Vision 2030.

Q17. What is the broader impact on regional peace?

A17. The ministers warn that actions undermining the two-state solution risk escalating tensions, threatening regional and international peace and security.

Q18. What does the statement say about annexation?

A18. It notes that the E1 plan advances settlement expansion and annexation, and directly challenges efforts to achieve peace.

Q19. Why is the geographical contiguity important?

A19. A contiguous Palestinian state is essential for its viability and for the realization of a two-state solution, as it allows for territorial integrity and effective governance.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of these collective efforts?

A20. The ministers hope that international pressure and accountability will halt illegal settlement activities and pave the way for a just and comprehensive peace, with the Palestinian people achieving their rights.

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