The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway have condemned Israel’s decision to publish construction tenders for a settlement project in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.

Axar.az reports that, according to a joint statement published by the UK government on Thursday, the project would undermine prospects for a two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian territories.

“The Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable. The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly,” the statement said.

The seven countries said Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and urged the Israeli government to immediately withdraw the plans and end settlement expansion.

“We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing,” the statement added.

The countries also warned businesses against bidding for the construction tenders.

"Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law," the statement continued.

The statement reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.