Foreign Minister Støre’s reaction to crisis in the Palestinian Territory

“Norway is deeply concerned about the crisis in the Palestinian Territory and condemns the use of violence as a political tool. Continued use of violence will strengthen destructive and extremist forces throughout the Middle East,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Norway’s support to the Palestinian people will be continued. This entails continued support to President Mahmoud Abbas as the democratically elected head of the Palestinian Authority. Because of the widespread violence, the President decided to declare a state of emergency and request Salam Fayad, who was Finance Minister in the Unity Government, to form an emergency government. This is a decision that was taken by President Abbas on the basis of the Palestinian Basic Law,” said the Foreign Minister.

“Now it is important that President Abbas is given broad international support for his efforts to get the security situation under control and restore calm. At the same time it is important that President Abbas and the new prime minister continue their efforts to bring about Palestinian reconciliation and unity,” said Mr Støre.

“The situation in the Palestinian Territory affects the stability and security of the entire region. Norway has therefore called on the UN Security Council to begin consultations immediately. International engagement and involvement are essential in order to bring the situation in the Palestinian Territory under control,” said the Foreign Minister.

“It is regrettable that the Palestinian National Unity Government had to be dissolved. Norway has urged other donor countries to normalise relations with the Unity Government in order to support the moderate Palestinian forces and reduce the risk of collapse and civil war. Important actors in the international community failed to grasp this opportunity, and the protracted boycott combined with Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues undermined the Government’s prospects of succeeding,” said Mr Støre.

“Our development cooperation with the Palestinian Authority will continue. The channels we use to transfer our support will be assessed in the light of how the political situation in the Palestinian Territory evolves.”

“The Government will also cooperate with Norwegian NGOs to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Norwegian Red Cross is considering, in cooperation with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, transporting field hospitals to Gaza from Jordan by lorry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to provide up to NOK 20 million to support this operation,” said Foreign Minister Støre.