“The Israeli attack on Qana in southern Lebanon is a clear violation of international law,” says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. He condemns this attack on civilians and calls on the parties to declare an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

“Through its military operations, Hezbollah has taken the whole Lebanese population hostage, which is totally unacceptable. The civilian population in Lebanon is increasingly affected, and the situation in southern Lebanon is untenable, both in security and in humanitarian terms. I support UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland’s call for a 72-hour ceasefire and the establishment of safe corridors to enable relief supplies to reach southern Lebanon,” says Mr Støre.

“International humanitarian law is crystal clear in prohibiting military attacks on civilians. Hezbollah’s rocket assaults on Israeli cities and Israel’s bombing of villages in southern Lebanon are violations of international law,” says the Foreign Minister. He also deplores the statements of Israeli Government spokesmen who claim that all those who are still in southern Lebanon are to be regarded as terrorists and legitimate targets. “There are still thousands of civilians in this area, and they have a right to protection. Israel is taking on a great responsibility by engaging in this kind of warfare,” says Mr Støre.