More than 440 former diplomats, ministers, and senior officials have signed an open letter urging the European Union to take immediate action against Israel's planned E1 settlement project in the West Bank. The project would involve the construction of about 3,400 housing units across roughly 12 square kilometers of land.

The signatories argue that the development amounts to illegal annexation of Palestinian territory and warn that it would further undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state. They call on the European Union and its member states to deter Israel from moving forward with the plan.

Among those who signed the letter are former senior European officials, including a past foreign policy chief and a former Belgian prime minister. The group is pressing for targeted sanctions, such as visa bans and business restrictions, against individuals involved in promoting or implementing the settlement project.