Foreign Minister Støre condemns attack on UN building and hospital

The Gaza headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was in flames this morning after it was shelled by the Israeli armed forces. The Al Quds Hospital, which is run by the Palestinian Red Crescent, was also hit. “We strongly condemn these actions,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

Hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge at the UNRWA headquarters during the past few days. UNRWA’s main warehouse for emergency relief supplies is located in the same compound, and all distribution of food and medicine to the civilian population has now stopped.  

“This is happening despite Israel’s assurances that UN buildings, vehicles and personnel will be protected. UNWRA is the very lifeline to the Palestinian refugee population,” Mr Støre continued.  

When UNWRA Commissioner-General Karen Koning AbuZayd met with Foreign Minister Støre in Oslo this week, she briefed him on the extremely difficult conditions humanitarian organisations are working under in Gaza. 

“Under international law, Israel has an absolute obligation to protect humanitarian organisations and aid workers. A ceasefire is now essential and humanitarian corridors must be established immediately to enable emergency supplies to reach the Palestinian population, whose suffering is growing worse by the hour. Attacks like the one we have witnessed today are entirely unacceptable and in violation of international humanitarian law,” said Mr Støre. 

This evening, Foreign Minister Støre will meet with Quartet Representative Tony Blair and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Paris for further discussions.