Israel advances E1 settlement plan

Israel's Housing Ministry issued a tender for more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, advancing a settlement plan that would sever Jerusalem from the West Bank and undermine the two-state solution. The move drew widespread international condemnation from European nations, Arab and Muslim states, and the United Nations. The UK summoned Israel's charge d'affaires and threatened sanctions, while France, Germany, Italy, and others urged Israel to retract the plans. Israel defended its actions, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar rejecting criticism. The tender was published just weeks before Israeli elections, prompting accusations of political maneuvering. The UN and human rights groups also highlighted ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns in the West Bank and Gaza.