United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday urged Israel to reverse its decision to advance the so-called E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank, warning that the project violates international law and would sever the territory’s northern and central areas from the south. Speaking in Yokohama, Japan, Guterres called the construction of more than 3,000 housing units "a violation of international law" and said the move must be halted to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the scheme would heighten the risk of displacement for 18 Palestinian Bedouin communities and restrict Palestinian movement by diverting traffic away from the main Jerusalem–Jericho road. It added that additional sections of Israel’s security barrier around the E1 zone would further undermine territorial contiguity. Guterres also appealed for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, citing deepening humanitarian needs as UN agencies face tight restrictions on moving food, shelter materials and other aid. "All settlement constructions are a violation of international law," the UN chief said, urging Israeli authorities to facilitate relief operations across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.