Italy condemns Israel’s plan to build new settlements in west bank - Meloni

Israel's Kan state broadcaster reported Wednesday that the Civil Administration's committee for Judea and Samaria, which is how Israel refers to the West Bank, had approved the construction of 3,400 homes in the Mevaseret Adumim area (E1), which would link Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, thereby violating the territorial integrity of the Palestinian Authority.

"Italy condemns Israel's decision to allow the construction of new settlements in the West Bank. This decision is contrary to international law and risks finally jeopardising the two-state solution and, more generally, the political prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace," Meloni was quoted as saying by the government Chigi Palace.

The prime minister said the decision to conduct a new military operation in the Gaza Strip represents a further military escalation that can only worsen the already bad humanitarian situation. Instead, collective efforts are needed to achieve a ceasefire and free the hostages, as well as strengthen international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, Meloni specified.

On Wednesday, Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had approved an operation to seize Gaza City.

On Wednesday night, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported, citing Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Effie Defrin, that the IDF launched an offensive on Gaza City, with the Israeli military controlling the outskirts of the city.

Israeli army radio station Galei Tzahal also reported earlier that day that Israel's operation to capture Gaza City would last until 2026 and that up to 130,000 reservists would be involved at the peak of the manoeuvres.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that the United Nations condemns Israel's decision to expand settlement activity in the West Bank and opposes any settlement activity in the occupied territories.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel's plan to build a major settlement in the West Bank would split Palestine in two and would be a "flagrant" breach of international law.