Norway calls for the protection of humanitarian assistance and aid workers in Gaza

There have been alarming reports from Gaza of ambulances and convoys carrying humanitarian relief supplies being impeded, and personnel from humanitarian organisations being killed as a result of the fighting. Several organisations have chosen to suspend their efforts in Gaza because the risk involved is too great. 

“I deeply deplore the violence against humanitarian aid workers and humanitarian transport in Gaza,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “These incidents are tragic for those directly affected and make it even more difficult to reach people with the help they so sorely need and are entitled to.”   

The Foreign Minister recently raised these issues in the UN Security Council.

“The parties have a clear responsibility under international law to protect civilians and facilitate the provision of humanitarian and medical assistance. I expressed this most recently to the Israeli Government this evening,” said Mr Støre.