Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the situation in Palestine

We will not lose sight of the ongoing horrors in Gaza, where the Palestinian population is clinging to life under hellish circumstances.

In the face of further displacement, bombardment and starvation, new mechanisms for distributing aid have become death traps. Since the end of May, more than 400 people have reportedly been killed while attempting to receive emergency aid. 

Israel, as the occupying power, is under an obligation to administer the territory for the benefit of the local population. They must also facilitate humanitarian aid, in a secure manner. Yet, starving Palestinians continue to be killed and maimed while desperately seeking life-saving assistance. 

This is completely unacceptable. The use of lethal force around distribution points must stop now. 

Norway urges Israeli authorities to immediately enable the UN and humanitarian partners to drastically increase the delivery of aid to the entire population. Aid, including enough food to feed the entire population for several months, is waiting just outside the Gaza strip. Israel must allow the UN and humanitarian partners to bring in and distribute a sufficient amount of aid. 

We will continue to work for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all remaining hostages and full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza, in line with international law and humanitarian principles. 

We remain fully committed in our support to the Palestinian people, the Palestinian State and the two-state solution.