Norway provides humanitarian relief to Gaza

The Government decided today to provide NOK 30 million in immediate humanitarian relief in connection with the assaults in Gaza. “We are extremely concerned about the precarious humanitarian situation in Gaza,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Many innocent civilians are suffering as a result of the violence in Gaza. The Foreign
Minister pointed out how crucial it is to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches
those who need it in Gaza.

“We presume that Israel will provide the necessary access for humanitarian aid. There is an acute need for medical and surgical equipment at the hospitals in Gaza.

We join in a broad international appeal to Israel to help to ensure that humanitarian relief supplies reach those in need,” said Mr Støre.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now allocating funds to several humanitarian
organisations providing emergency medical aid and assistance to the wounded and
injured in Gaza, and is giving priority to those that are able to ensure the rapid and
effective delivery of emergency relief. The funds are being channelled primarily
through the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the International Red Cross (ICRC) and the Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC).

“Norway is following the situation closely and we are ready to provide additional
humanitarian funds,” said the Foreign Minister.

During the past few days the Foreign Minister has been in contact with several of his
colleagues in the region, with the Palestinian Authority, and with the French EU
Presidency.

“I have conveyed Norway’s view that the fighting must stop, a new ceasefire must be put in place, and border crossings must be opened to provide access for humanitarian relief supplies,” said Mr Støre. “Norway is working for and supporting diplomatic initiatives designed for this purpose, such as the efforts being made by Egypt and initiatives taken by the EU.”