Foreign Minister Petersen deplores Israeli actions in Gaza

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen deplores the Israeli air strikes in Gaza this week in which a number of Palestinians were killed and many injured. A number of buildings were also destroyed.

"Norway has no sympathy for the terrorists. Their violent actions are one of the major obstacles to peace and must be halted. We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. But we cannot accept actions that are in conflict with important principles of international law," said the Foreign Minister.

"We have repeatedly made it clear to the Israeli authorities that we condemn the assassinations of suspected terrorists. Moreover, the deaths and injuries caused to innocent civilians we have now witnessed are unacceptable," said Mr Petersen.

"The last three years have shown that there is no military solution to this conflict. I strongly urge the parties to resume implementation of the Road Map for Peace. There will be no lasting security for the Israelis or the Palestinians unless the occupation is ended and a Palestinian state is established," concluded Foreign Minister Petersen.