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What exactly is the E1 settlement expansion?
The E1 settlement expansion involves building around 3,500 new apartments around Maale Adumim, a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. This project, approved after years of delays, aims to extend Israeli territory into a sensitive area that Palestinians see as vital for their future state.
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How will this expansion affect Palestinian statehood?
The expansion in E1 is seen as a major obstacle to Palestinian statehood because it severs key territorial links between the northern and southern West Bank. Many experts believe it could effectively divide Palestinian lands, making a contiguous and viable state impossible.
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Why is the international community concerned about this move?
Global actors, including the United Nations, have condemned the expansion, warning it will severely undermine efforts for peace. The project is considered illegal under international law and threatens to escalate tensions and violence in the region.
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What are the potential consequences of this settlement expansion?
Potential consequences include increased violence, further destabilization of the peace process, and a hardening of positions on both sides. It could also lead to more international sanctions or diplomatic pressure on Israel, and deepen divisions within Palestinian communities.
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Who supports and who opposes the expansion?
The expansion is backed by Israel’s far-right government, including officials like Bezalel Smotrich, who has boasted that the project will 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state.' Opponents include the Palestinian authorities, many international governments, and organizations advocating for peace and international law.