Singapore has called on Israel to stop its planned expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying such settlements violate international law. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated Monday that plans for new construction in the E1 area would further fragment the territory and seriously damage prospects for a two-state solution.

The ministry also voiced deep concern over increased violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. It said Israel must take firm action to end violence against Palestinian civilians and hold those responsible for attacks accountable. Singapore described a negotiated two-state solution, based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as the only effective path to a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On August 18, the Israeli government invited tenders for more than 1,200 housing units in E1, an area of about 12 square kilometres near East Jerusalem. Around 3,700 Palestinians, mostly Bedouin residents from 18 villages, live there. The plan could make connections between East Jerusalem and the West Bank more difficult. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada have also raised concerns.