EU warns Israeli E1 project undermines two-state solution

LONDON, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Israel's E1 settlement project in the West Bank will further undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Wednesday.

"The E1 settlements will further undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank," Kallas told a press conference following an informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.

"Settler violence against Palestinians continues to rise, and too often goes unchecked," Kallas said.

She added that the EU would continue to support the Gaza Peace Plan and work with partners towards the two-state solution.

The informal meeting, also known as the Gymnich meeting, was held on Tuesday and Wednesday under Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU. It brought together EU foreign ministers for strategic discussions on current geopolitical developments.

Israel advanced the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank in August by issuing a tender for 1,234 housing units. Published online by Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing, the tender covers part of a broader plan to build 3,401 housing units in the E1 area, located east of Jerusalem.