Italy today expressed deep concern about Israeli plans to build hundreds of units in several illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying settlements violate international law and would undermine the two-state solution.

"Italy reiterates its deep concern about the recent Israeli decision to go ahead with the decision to build nearly 800 new houses in several settlements in the West Bank," said an Italian Foreign Ministry statement.

"The expansion of settlements in the West Bank violates international law and could irreparably undermine the viability of a just, sustainable two-State solution in line with internationally recognized parameters and the relevant UN resolutions," it added.

The Italian Foreign Ministry urged Israel "to refrain from any unilateral action that would have no other effect than to frustrate ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between the Parties and to jeopardize a resumption of direct negotiations."

It called on the Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision, "as we already did on 17 November last year for the Givat Hamatos tender."