Statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs Eide on attacks in Gaza

Protection of healthcare, the wounded and sick is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law. The Shifa hospital is in ruins and is completely out of service, according to Médecins Sans Frontières. Large parts of the Palestinian population have been dependent on treatment at that hospital. The reports that twelve patients at the hospital have died as a result of malnutrition and lack of treatment during the military operation are outrageous.

‘I also condemn the Israeli attack on an aid convoy from the organization World Central Kitchen, which killed seven aid workers. This is totally unacceptable.

Israel's vast and extensive military operations in Gaza have caused enormous suffering for the civilian population, including children, the sick and aid workers. Norway has been clear that parts of the warfare are not in line with international law. Gaza has been bombed extensively, and the population is completely dependent on humanitarian aid. Israel's warfare, in combination with a breakdown of law and order, makes it too dangerous for the population to receive the help they desperately need,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.