Norway condemns executions in Gaza

“I condemn Hamas’ recent execution of two men in Gaza,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.  

The men who were executed on 22 June were sentenced to death for collaborating with Israel. During a press conference on drug-related crime on Wednesday 26 June, the de facto administration in Gaza announced that more death penalties are to be carried out in the near future. So far, Hamas has executed 16 people since it took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. 

“I urge Hamas to respect the moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority,” Mr Eide said. 

Norway deplores the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and is working to promote the universal abolition of capital punishment. Norway was one of the main sponsors of the 5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, which took place in Madrid on 12–15 June.