Foreign Minister Penny Wong, alongside the UK’s David Lammy and a number of other foreign ministers, lashed Israeli plans to expand settlements into contested areas of the West Bank in a joint statement labelling the move “unacceptable” and a “violation of international law”. The contentious settlement - now known as E1 - was approved by Israel’s Higher Planning Committee and would see some 3400 homes built just east of Jerusalem. The plan was announced last week by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the move was a “significant step that practically erases the two-state delusion and consolidates the Jewish people’s hold on the heart of the Land of Israel”. “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not by slogans but by deeds. Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea,” he said. In response, Australia and its counterparts called in “the strongest terms” for the immediate reversal of the approved plans. “The Government of Israel still has an opportunity to stop the E1 plan going any further. We encourage them to urgently retract this plan,” the statement read. “Minister Smotrich says this plan will make a two-state solution impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem. This brings no benefits to the Israeli people. “Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace.” The government overnight also signed a letter demanding that international media be allowed access into Gaza and journalists operating in the war zone be afforded additional protections. That statement, signed by 26 other countries, called for the end of Israel’s press block “in light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”. “We, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza,” the statement read. “Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively.” The moves made by the Labor government follow a dramatic deterioration in relations between Australia and Israel, with Benjamin Netanyahu declaring Anthony Albanese’s reputation would be “forever tarnished” by his recognition of a Palestinian state.