Palestinian Authority denounces Israeli tender for 1,200 homes in contested E1 zone
The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel's launch of a tender for over 1,200 new housing units in the West Bank's disputed E1 area, warning it will trap Palestinians in isolated enclaves.
The Palestinian Authority's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission issued a statement decrying Israel's decision to open a tender for 1,234 housing units in the E1 sector of the occupied West Bank. The E1 plan, approved by the Israeli government last year, envisions constructing over 3,400 homes across about 12 square kilometres, effectively linking East Jerusalem settlements with the Maale Adumim bloc and bisecting the West Bank.
Officials warned the tender would create "disconnected enclaves" and jeopardize the viability of a future Palestinian state. The bidding process, overseen by Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing, must close on October 19, ahead of national elections scheduled for October 27. Local and international NGOs, including Ir Amim and Peace Now, argue that even partial implementation would irrevocably alter the region's geography and threaten Bedouin villages like Khan al-Ahmar. Reporters on the ground described the plan as a potential "last nail in the coffin" for the two-state solution.
Why it matters
The tender could reshape West Bank borders, undermining prospects for a two-state solution and affecting Palestinian communities.
How this story developed
- Aug 12 Israeli airstrike wounds alleged Hamas commander in northern Gaza
- Aug 16 Hamas sources said a delegation will sit with Kushner, alongside Egyptian and Qatari officials, before his scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya traveled to El-Alamein, marking his first trip since assuming leadership. The United States has asked Hamas for clarifications on weapon storage and full relinquishment of Gaza governance. Israel continues airstrikes, reporting several injuries and a child casualty, while the Gaza health ministry cites over 1,262 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began.
- Aug 17 Kushner scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push the 15‑point Gaza plan after talks with Hamas leaders.
- Aug 17 After meetings with Board of Peace officials Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair, Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and obtained agreement to form two task forces—one on Gaza disarmament and another on sanitation and public health. The Israeli side will only proceed once Hamas begins demilitarization, while the Board of Peace stresses a lengthy timeline for full implementation. Hamas leader Khalil al Hayya was also engaged in Cairo, with Kushner urging the group to start the disarmament process.
- Aug 17 Kushner met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem following his discussion with Hamas leader Khalil al‑Hayya.
- Aug 18 Major General Jasper Jeffers was appointed to oversee the dismantling of Hamas weapons.
- Aug 18 Two joint working groups were established – a security panel to seize Hamas weapons for an American‑led stabilization force and a humanitarian panel to restore water, sanitation and health services.
- Aug 19 An Israeli drone strike killed Gaza City police chief Jamal Abu Kamil.
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