On 27 February 2015, the Italian Parliament recognized the State of Palestine and urged the Italian government to recognize it. In 2016, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized a UNESCO resolution which stated: “It demands that Israel, the occupying power, allow a return to the historical situation that existed until September 2000. Strongly deplores the continued incursion of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif by Israeli right-wing extremists. He denounces the restrictions imposed by Israel on Al-Aqsa Mosque. Reaffirms the obligation of Israel to preserve the integrity, authenticity and cultural heritage of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, in accordance with the historical situation that existed, as an Islamic holy site of worship and an integral part of a World Cultural Heritage site. He reiterates that the slope of the Mughrabi Gate is an integral part of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.” His country abstained from voting.