Meeting between Prime Minister Støre and Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh

‘During our discussions, I expressed my deepest sympathy for the many Palestinian civilian lives that have been lost, as well as for all those who have been injured or forced to flee their homes over the past weeks. Norway has played an active role in encouraging the parties to agree on a break in order to enable emergency aid to reach the people of Gaza and to provide protection for civilians. I also commended Dr Shtayyeh on the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to avoid escalation in the West Bank,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

Another key issue discussed during the meeting was the challenging situation in the Palestinian economy.

‘We need to take steps now to prepare for what will happen when the war between Israel amd Hamas comes to an end. We need to do everything we can to prevent further destabilisation and sustain our commitment to achieving a two-state solution. As chair of the international donor group for Palestine, Norway feels a special responsibility to ensure that aid is maintained, not curtailed, and to provide support to the Palestinian Authority in order to avoid full collapse of the Palestinian economy as well as in the delivery of services and provision of security,’ said Mr Støre.

Prime Minister Støre also brought up the many Norwegians who remain in Gaza and what can be done to get them out.

‘We are doing everything we can to ensure that Norwegian citizens can leave Gaza as soon as possible. I am working together with the Foreign Minister and our Norwegian diplomatic personnel to take every opportunity that presents itself to urge the parties to stop the bombing and to enable Norwegian citizens to leave,’ said Mr Støre.