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E5 statement at Security Council condemns Israeli settlement expansion, warns E1 would divide West Bank
Summary
An E5 statement read at the Security Council on behalf of Denmark, Greece, Latvia, the United Kingdom and France condemned settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, warned that E1 development would divide the territory, urged Israel to resume Palestinian tax transfers and condemned the demolition of UNRWA's headquarters.
An E5 statement was read at the United Nations Security Council on behalf of Denmark, Greece, Latvia, the United Kingdom and France expressing deep concern over developments in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and calling on Israel to end settlement expansion and ensure accountability for violence against civilians.
“We strongly condemn the continued creation and expansion of Israeli settlements, as well as repeated acts of settler violence against Palestinian civilians,” the presenter said, urging investigations into allegations against Israeli forces and denouncing actions that contravene international law.
The statement referenced United Nations Resolution 2334 and said the Security Council would meet to discuss it, adding that the Israeli government’s actions have undermined efforts for peace in Gaza and implementation of Resolution 2803. The presenters warned that construction projects in the E1 area and eviction orders for the Khan al-Ahmar community risk “divid[ing] the West Bank in two” and further separating East Jerusalem, which they said would threaten the viability and contiguity of a future Palestinian state.
The presenters also addressed economic and humanitarian concerns, calling for the immediate resumption of tax revenues Israel collects and transfers to the Palestinian Authority under the Paris Protocol, which the statement said are essential for basic services and reforms. “We also reiterate our call for the immediate resumption of payment by Israel of the tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authority,” the presenter said.
The statement urged companies not to bid for construction contracts in E1 or other settlement developments and warned of legal and reputational consequences for businesses that participate in such construction. It also called on Israel to enable the United Nations, including UNRWA, and international NGOs to operate safely and at scale across the occupied Palestinian territory in line with international humanitarian law.
“The unlawful demolition of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem is an unprecedented action against the UN agency and undermines UNRWA's ability to deliver essential services to the Palestinians in accordance with its mandate,” the presenter said.
The presenters said they welcomed the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of October 2025 and called on Israel to act fully in line with its obligations under international law. The statement closed by reiterating support for a two-state solution and emphasizing the need for a political process to achieve a just and lasting resolution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security and dignity.
The reading concluded with the presenter thanking the chamber; another participant responded, "Merci beaucoup." The transcript states the Security Council will meet to discuss Resolution 2334.
