Palestine in a critical phase

‘Palestine is in a critical phase, and the coming months will be decisive for both political and economic developments. The donor countries must contribute funds for the reconstruction of Gaza. However, only easing the restrictions can make the Palestinian state sustainable,’ said Mr Brende.

In his opening address at the meeting of the Ad-hoc Liaison Committee in New York, Foreign Minister Brende warned Israel, the Palestinian authorities and the international donor community of the consequences of a prolonged impasse in the peace process and the continued isolation of Gaza.

‘It is high time to reaffirm – both in words and in actions – our commitment to the vision of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

Minister Brende called on the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to use the time leading up to the donor conference in Cairo on 12 October to create tangible results.

The donor conference will be co-hosted by Norway and Egypt.

‘The current situation in Palestine and Israel is not viable. Stability in Gaza requires that Israel gives the Palestinians access to areas that are under direct Israeli control in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. If this does not happen, the conflict may erupt again,’ said Mr Brende.

The meeting of donor countries in New York was led by Mr Brende, as Norway has the chairmanship of the Ad-hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC). Among the participants were UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

• Meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee New York, 22 September 2014 - Chair’s Summary (pdf)