Italy expressed its deep concern regarding the Israeli announcement of opening the bidding procedure for the construction of 1,257 housing units in Givat Hamatos and asked the Israeli authorities to go back on their decision.
“If built, such a settlement would seriously undermine the prospect of a future independent neighbouring Palestinian State,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy in a statement.
“In line with international law and long-standing European policy, Italy considers the settlements illegal and a serious obstacle to the achievement of a just, sustainable and directly negotiated Two-State solution between the two Parties,” it said.
Italy, together with its European partners, has repeatedly urged Israel to stop all settlement activity and not take unilateral action contrary to international law, since this can further undermine the already compromised climate of trust that is necessary for a revival of the Peace Process, the statement concluded.
Israel approved tenders for the construction of 1257 new housing units in an illegal West Bank settlement; located between the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. These new housing units would separate Jerusalem from the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Source : Wafa News
