Twenty-one countries, including Italy, France, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia, have signed a joint statement calling Israel's decision to authorize the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, near Jerusalem, “unacceptable and a violation of international law”. The signatories call for the immediate revocation of the plan, which is considered as a serious obstacle to the prospect of a two-state solution. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy's position: “We condemn Israel's decision to authorize new settlements, which is contrary to international law and capable of permanently compromising the two-state solution and the prospect of a just and lasting peace”. Meloni also expressed “deep concern” about the Israeli government's recent decisions, including the one to proceed with the occupation of Gaza after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. “A further military escalation,” she stressed, “that can only aggravate the already dramatic humanitarian situation”.