Spain: Spain's Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's decision to advance settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, focusing on the E1 settlement project.

According to Anadolu Agency, Spain's Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval of Israel's announcement to issue tenders for the construction of over 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area. The Ministry emphasized that this move disrupts the territorial continuity of Palestine and separates East Jerusalem from the West Bank. In a statement, the Ministry urged Israel to reverse its decision and reiterated the importance of progressing toward a two-State solution.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares took to US social media platform X to voice his condemnation, highlighting that the settlements violate international law and hinder peace efforts. Albares called for Israel to reconsider its actions and focus on achieving a two-State solution.

The Ministry's statement also urged the international community to take responsibility in promoting the implementation of the two-State solution, which it considers essential for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.

Israeli rights groups Ir Amim, Bimkom, and Peace Now reported earlier that Israel had gone back on its commitment concerning the E1 project by issuing tenders for 1,234 settlement units without notifying the petitioners challenging the plan. The E1 settlement plan, which spans approximately 12 square kilometers (4.6 square miles) east of Jerusalem, aims to connect the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim with Jerusalem by constructing Jewish-only housing on Palestinian land.