Italy expressed deep concern regarding the opening of the bidding procedure  by Israel for the construction of 1,257 housing units in Givat Hamatos and asked the Israeli authorities to reverse their decision.
“If built, such a settlement would seriously undermine the prospect of a future independent Palestinian State,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy in a statement.
“In keeping with international law and established European policy, Italy considers the settlements illegal and regards it as 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, have repeatedly urged Israel to stop all settlement activity and not take unilateral action contrary to international law, as this further undermines the already compromised climate of trust that is necessary for a revival of the peace rocess, 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.