A/HRC/10/76 Page 17 necessary measures to ensure that it fulfils all of its obligations under international human rights instruments, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which were ratified by Israel in 1991. Ireland noted that, under international law, it is illegal to build settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. It sought information on action taken and planned to freeze construction of settlements and to dismantle existing settlements or outposts. Noting the detrimental impact on civilians’ access to essential services and their freedom of movement, Ireland recommended that the Government abide by its international obligations, including those under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Noting the concern of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism over the use of administrative detention and similar concerns by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ireland recommended that the Government actively seek to address these concerns and review the use of administrative detention, which operates to deny people of their rights to liberty, due process and fair trial. Ireland also sought details on the policies on detention of minors. 68. Italy asked about concrete steps on the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, particularly on the situation of children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Italy recommended applying the definition of a child as a person under 18 years also in the territories, in line with article 1 of the Convention. It recommended progressive removal of restrictions that prevent Palestinian children from access to basic services, including schools and health care. Italy noted with satisfaction that freedom of religion and the protection of places of worship are guaranteed by law, but noted that, in practice, some sacred places do not benefit from the same legal protection as official Jewish places of worship. Italy recommended that Israel guarantee equitable protection to all places of worship in the country, including all Muslim and Christian sacred places. It also recommended that it lift unnecessary restrictions on the granting of visas, particularly multiple entry visas, to members of the Christian clergy in the exercise of their religious duties. Italy expressed its firm commitment to the legitimate rights of Israel to ensure its own security, but noted that, although the Government recently announced that the Israel Defense Forces had removed more than 70 physical obstructions in the West Bank, investigations by some human rights organizations indicate that, in some places in the northern West Bank, obstructions previously removed had been moved back into place. Italy recommended ensuring more freedom of movement for the Palestinians in the West Bank and particularly Gaza in order to ensure adequate standards of living for Palestinian people and improve their access to health, education and work. 69. The Israeli delegation said that, with respect to the issue of settlements in the West Bank, it had been agreed by Israel and the Palestinians to deal with this in the final status negotiations, which are currently taking place at the highest levels; it was agreed that the two sides should keep the content of the negotiations confidential. It said Israel adopted numerous unilateral policy decisions to ensure that all options for a permanent status agreement remain open, including a Government policy not to commence any new settlements in the West Bank and to ensure that no private land is expropriated for the purpose of construction. The delegation noted the introduction of new requirements to ensure that any approvals for construction, including for natural growth, as well as essential facilities such as schools and health centres, require specific authorization by the Ministry of Defense in coordination with the Prime Minister. Any such authorization can be challenged by any affected individual before the Supreme Court sitting as the High Court of Justice. The delegation added that Israel is aware that a final status agreement with the Palestinians will require painful territorial concessions, and it has shown its willingness to engage in such painful processes in the disengagement from the Gaza Strip, in which, in