Plans by Israel to construct settlement homes in the E1 area, a strategically important zone east of Jerusalem, have drawn widespread international condemnation and prompted retaliatory measures against UK nationals and organizations. The development, if realized, would effectively bisect the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem.
The BBC's Middle East Correspondent Lucy Williamson visited the Palestinian community of Khan al Ahmar, located within the E1 area, as well as the adjacent Israeli settlement of Maale Admumim. The E1 development has been a point of contention for years, with critics arguing it would solidify Israeli control over a key corridor and fragment Palestinian contiguity.
The recent Israeli decision to open tenders for construction in E1 followed the imposition of UK sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. In response to these sanctions, Israel has implemented counter-measures affecting UK individuals and entities. International bodies and several countries have previously voiced opposition to settlement expansion in E1, citing concerns over its impact on the viability of a two-state solution and regional stability.