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

I am extremely concerned about what is unfolding in Lebanon. Once again, Lebanon is the scene and its hard-pressed civilian population is paying the price for other people's wars. This has to stop.

Many thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Many have been killed or injured, Many of whom have nothing to do with the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. 

We need a ceasefire now, both between Israel and Hezbollah and in Gaza.

The conflicts in the Middle East are closely linked. All parties must now contribute to de-escalation before this end in a major regional war.

Military force alone cannot solve any of the conflicts in the region. We need lasting political solutions. That is why we are working tirelessly for both a ceasefire and a Palestinian state.