The Philippines has voiced concern over recent developments in the West Bank, including Israel’s reported efforts to advance the E1 settlement plan and the continuing increase in settler violence.
In a statement issued Thursday, September 17, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the developments were concerning because some actions may be inconsistent with international law.
“We express our deep concern over recent developments in the West Bank,” the DFA said.
“We note with alarm the efforts of the Israeli government to advance the E1 settlement plan as well as the continued rise of settler violence in the West Bank,” it added.
The Philippine government also called on all sides to refrain from unilateral measures that could further complicate peace efforts and affect the prospects for establishing a future Palestinian state.
“The Philippines views these actions, which may contravene international law, as detrimental to finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict,” the DFA said.
“We therefore urge all parties to desist from unilateral actions that erode the conditions for peace and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state,” it added.
The DFA reiterated Manila’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to determine their own political future.
“The Philippines remains resolute in upholding the fundamental and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the right to self-determination,” the DFA said.
The E1 area, located east of Jerusalem and near the Maale Adumim settlement, has been a longstanding point of concern in discussions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union said in August that carrying out the E1 plan could fragment the West Bank and further weaken prospects for a two-state solution.
In a separate joint statement issued in August, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway also warned that the settlement project could affect the territorial continuity of Palestinian areas and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs showed that more than 1,600 settler attacks involving Palestinian casualties or property damage were recorded in the West Bank between January and August 2026.
The Philippine statement comes as international attention remains focused on developments in the West Bank and their potential impact on efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.