The Foreign Minister announced today that Norway will give the Norwegian Red Cross NOK 14 million for emergency measures to alleviate the acute humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Part of this money will be channelled through the Red Crescent and will go to ambulances and medical equipment.

The International Committee of the Red Cross will also be given funds to continue its efforts to promote respect for international humanitarian law in the Palestinian Territory, with a special emphasis on protection of the civilian population in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. This includes extensive efforts to follow up the issue of the rights of political prisoners.

Norway’s allocation will strengthen the Red Cross presence in Gaza and the West Bank. Humanitarian relief personnel are providing vital medical assistance to the wounded and ensuring the delivery of necessary equipment such as tents, blankets and medicines in the area.

The Norwegian Red Cross will also at its own expense supply bags of blood to its Israeli sister organization, Magen David Adom, to meet the increased humanitarian needs after the recent series of suicide bombings.