News and press releases about the Israel/Gaza crisis

'We strongly oppose the attack on UNRWA and their staff, including the Norwegian diplomat who previously served as Deputy Commissioner-General of the agency. The accusations against individuals coincide with a politically motivated campaign aimed at weakening the agency', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Norway strongly opposes the lawsuit against UNRWA staff

‘UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The war, accusations made by Israel, continuous attacks on the organisation and funds withheld by major donors, have put UNRWA in an extremely difficult financial situation. In this context, it is of importance that Norway is increasing our support by NOK 100 million,’ said Minister of International development Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim.

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• Norway increasing its support to UNRWA

'We have to maintain this unity of so many states. And you can count on us. Norway will be supporting Ukraine, your right to defence, but also in your civil areas. We have today unleashed a package to support your rebuilding of electricity systems', said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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• Remarks by the Prime Minister at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine

‘The message to everyone who participated in the humanitarian conference for Gaza is clear: we must find solutions that end the suffering, and in the longer term, we must focus on rebuilding Gaza,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.

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• Humanitarian conference sends clear message: suffering in Gaza must cease

I welcome the efforts for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, presented by President Biden.

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• Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on Gaza

Only a two-state solution can provide security, prosperity and hope for the people of both Israel and Palestine.

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• Why we recognized the state of Palestine

'The development in Rafah is catastrophic and unacceptable. We have warned in the strongest possible terms against the consequences of an attack for the people of Rafah', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• Statement about Rafah from Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide

‘For over 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates of a Palestinian state. Norway’s recognition of Palestine as a state today represents a milestone in Norwegian-Palestinian relations,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Norway recognises Palestine today

The critical situation in Palestine was the topic when Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide chaired two ministerial meetings on Palestine in Brussels today.

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• Foreign Minister Eide: Broad international agreement to strengthen Palestinian institutions and promote the two-state solution

‘The financial situation for the Palestinian Authority is acute. They need money to pay for basic services, such as health and education, for the population. Therefore, Norway is now transferring NOK 100 million in budget support’, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Norway contributes NOK 100 million in budget support to Palestine

´There will be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution. There can be no two-state solution without a Palestinian state. In other words: a Palestinian state is a prerequisite for achieving peace in the Middle East´, said Prime Minister Støre.

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• The Norwegian Prime Minister's introduction to the press conference on recognition of Palestine

‘The Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will recognise Palestine as a state. In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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• Norway recognises Palestine as a state

Together with Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross Anne Bergh, Minister for Development Cooperation Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, has received a briefing on the newly opened field hospital in Rafah. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contributed NOK 30 million to the hospital.

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• Strong Norwegian support for Red Cross hospital in Gaza

Gaza is a manmade disaster. Words cannot describe the suffering of the 2.3 million people of Gaza, who have endured extremely difficult circumstances during the past seven months. Despite the many calls from the international community, Israel maintains that a large-scale military operation is imminent, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.,

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• Strong warning against a military operation in Rafah

The resolution states that Palestine is fully qualified for membership in the United Nations and recommends that the Security Council reconsiders the matter favourably. Pending the approval of such membership, the resolution, which was adopted by a vote of 143 to 9, with 25 abstentions, provides Palestine with stronger rights and status within the UN. Norway was a co-sponsor of the resolution.

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• Norway votes in support of granting Palestine full membership status in the UN

‘I am shocked by attacks on UNRWA 's head quarter in East Jerusalem‘.

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• Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on attacks on UNRWA

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• 'Expect more from both parties'

I am deeply alarmed by the recent surge in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Civilians are killed, homes and private property have been destroyed, and entire communities have been uprooted.

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• Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on settler violence in the West Bank

I welcome the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired byby Catherine Colonna, on UNRWA's handling of neutrality issues, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

All schools in Gaza have been closed for 625,000 students for 6 months. Norway is deeply troubled that nearly 90% of schools in Gaza are damaged or destroyed.

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• Statement on schools in Gaza

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sánchez met on Friday to discuss a range of issues including the war in Gaza.

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• Meeting between Prime Minister Støre and President Sánchez on the war in Gaza

Rarely have six months been filled with so much unimaginable pain, anger and grief as the time following the terrorist attack on 7 October last year. For six months, Israeli families have been mourning the losses they suffered when Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Families still live in fear of what has happened to those of the hostages still in Gaza. 

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• Six months since Hamas attacked Israel, six months of crisis

Diplomatic premises and diplomatic and consular staff enjoy a special status under international law and must be protected.

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• Norway condemns the recent attack against the diplomatic premises of Iran in Damascus

‘I condemn the destruction of the Shifa hospital. Shifa has been the main hospital in Gaza. According to reports, hundreds of people have died as a result of the destruction, and the material damage is enormous,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs Eide on attacks in Gaza

Remarks from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the UN Security Council resolution.

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• Remarks from the Norwegian Prime Minister on the UN Security Council resolution

‘The situation in Gaza is a man-made disaster. Israel's use of military force is having a disproportionately severe impact on the civilian population and is not in line with international humanitarian law. There is an urgent need for a ceasefire and to deliver more life-saving humanitarian aid to the population,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Ten ways in which Norway is working to improve the situation for the Palestinian people

'My best wishes to Mohammad Mustafa, who was just appointed Palestinian Prime Minister,' says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on appointment of new Palestinian Prime Minister

The Government is reiterating its position on Israel’s settlement policy on occupied land by advising Norwegian companies not to engage in business cooperation or trade that serves to perpetuate the illegal Israeli settlements.

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• Government is advising against trade and business activity with Israeli settlements

‘I am pleased that the Palestinian Authority this week received several major transfers from Israel with Palestinian clearance revenues. These funds are necessary to ensure that the Palestinian Authority does not collapse, that Palestinians receive vital services, and that teachers and health workers are getting their salaries’, said Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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• The Palestinian Authority has received crucial financial transfers from Israel

‘The Israeli occupation and the illegal Israeli settlements are the biggest obstacles to a two-state solution, which is the only solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine’, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• Prevents the possibility of a two-state solution

Norway is facilitating an arrangement that will enable the Palestinian Authority to receive clearance revenues that Israel collects on its behalf. In the wake of the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October, the situation between the parties has been deadlocked. The temporary scheme will play a crucial role in preventing the Palestinian Authority from collapsing financially.

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• Norway assists in scheme for crucial financial transfers from Israel to Palestine

«Are we served or are people in the region served by seeing the PA collapse? I think not. So, Norway has been working now, and I hope we will be able to succeed soon, to have a kind of an intermediate role to get the tax money transferred to the PA”, said Prime Minister Støre.

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• Comments by the Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference at the panel “Towards Stability and Peace in the Middle East: De-escalation Challenge"

‘I reiterate my strong warning against a ground operation in Rafah. There are no safe places left in Gaza,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister Eide warning against aground operation in Rafah

‘The war in Gaza started four months ago today. The situation is catastrophic. There is a shortage of all essential items and people are facing daily threats to their lives and safety. UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian efforts in Gaza. I am pleased that we are able to transfer NOK 275 million today to the organisation’s efforts to assist Palestine refugees,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Norway providing NOK 275 million to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

“I believe that the notion of deterrence and reassurance is the right equation. But what matters is that the deterrence has to be credible. We have to make it credible in the way we invest, train and exercise our responsibility. The reassurance point for me is really about how we are recognisable, long-term and predictable”, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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• Opening address by the Prime Minister at Leangkollen Security Conference

Statement by Norway’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, on the UN Works and Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

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• Statement on UNRWA

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague today announced an order in South Africa's case against Israel.

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• Statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the International Court of Justice's order

‘We are facing a very serious situation in the Red Sea. For the first time, ballistic anti-ship missiles have been used against civilian vessels. These are very advanced weapons systems. The indiscriminate attacks by the Houthi movement are unacceptable. Crews and innocent parties are exposed to mortal danger and suffer great economic and material losses’, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• The situation in the Red Sea

Good evening everyone, the turn of the year is a time to take stock. Of the year that is now behind us, and the year that is to come. And let’s be honest. For many of us, 2023 has been a year where we have had to contend with forces that were beyond our control, forces that left us feeling anxious and vulnerable.

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• New Year Speech 2024

‘This meeting in Oslo has taken place against an extremely serious and dramatic backdrop. Tomorrow, it will be 10 weeks since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack. Close to 19 000 people have been killed in Gaza, nearly half of them children. The scale of destruction is enormous. More than 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza. At the meeting today, there was broad agreement on the gravity of the situation and the need for peace,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• International ministerial meeting in Oslo on the war in Gaza

‘I look forward to bringing these countries together for an open and frank discussion about the war in Gaza. While the countries that will be taking part in the meeting are affected to varying degrees, they all share a deep concern about the people of Gaza. There is an urgent need to stop the war and bring an end to the enormous suffering in Gaza,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign ministers from Middle East, Nordic region and Benelux countries in Oslo Friday 15 for high-level meeting on Gaza

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• Condemning attack on Norwegian ship in the Red Sea

Yesterday, the UN Secretary-General sent a letter to the Security Council in which he explicitly invokes Article 99 of the UN Charter. Article 99 gives the Secretary-General the authority to bring to the attention of the Security Council situations he believes threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.

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• Norway urges the Security Council to act in Gaza

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Thursday. Norway and Japan are entering into a strategic partnership designed to promote increased cooperation in a range of areas, in particular the green transition.

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• Closer cooperation between Norway and Japan

'There has been unimaginable suffering for far too long in Gaza. The extensive warfare we have witnessed has taken a severe toll on the civilian population’, said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide.

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• Deeply regret that the ceasefire in Gaza is not continued

In response to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Norwegian Government has proposed to increase support for the Palestinian people by NOK 470 million. This will bring Norway’s total support to the Palestinians in 2023 to more than NOK 1.5 billion.

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• Norway to increase support for the Palestinians

'Norway welcomes the agreement on a temporary humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages from Gaza. Both are crucial', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister welcomes a temporary ceasefire in Gaza

'I discussed with Qatar’s Prime Minister Al Thani Foreign Minister the need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister talking to Qatar’s Prime Minister

'I invited OIC ambassadors to discuss the situation in Gaza and the war between Israel and Hamas', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister meeting Ambassadors from Organization of Islamic States

'I spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on the war between Israel and Hamas. Strongly condemned the heinous terror attack against Israel on 7 October. Expressed Norway’s concern for the situation in Gaza', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister talking to Israel’s Foreign Minister

'Expressing my sincere condolences to UNRWA’s Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini for the more than 100 UNRWA staff that have been killed since 7 October', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister talking to Philippe Lazzarini

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Paris today. The discussions revolved around the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and the worrying developments on the West Bank.

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• Meeting between Prime Minister Støre and Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh

Jews in Norway experience hostile attitudes and anti-Semitism, and in recent weeks the extent has increased in the wake of the crisis in the Middle East. The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the synagogue in Oslo today to express his sympathy and emphasize that the government will do what it can to ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not increase divisions in Norway.

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• The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the synagogue in Oslo

On Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had a telephone conversation with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi as part of Norway’s contact with the countries and parties in the Middle East.

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• Prime Minister Støre spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

'I had good phone conversation with Isarel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. I emphasized the urgent need to secure the release of the hostages that were taken on 7 October', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister Eide talking with Israel’s National Security Adviser

'In a phone call with PM Shtayyeh, I expressed my deepest condolences for all civilians killed and injured over the last few weeks. Norway has called for de-escalating the conflict and humanitarian truce to protect and assist civilians in Gaza. I stressed the need for assistance to get Norwegian nationals out safely', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister Eide talking with Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh

UNICEF receives NOK 25 million for its work for children in Gaza. The funding is part of the NOK 200 million contribution from Norway towards the humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

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• Norway increases support to Palestinian children

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Children and Families Kjersti Toppe held a dialogue meeting with representatives of various Norwegian religious and life stance communities. The topic of discussion was the situation in the Middle East and the effects this is having on Norway.

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• Dialogue meeting with religious and life stance communities

In the conversation, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide underlined the importance of de-escalating the conflict, including a humanitarian truce to protect and assist civilians.

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• Foreign Minister Eide discussed the critical situation in Gaza with Prince Faisal bin Farhan

As Chair of AHLC (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) donor group, Norway hosted a virtual meeting with our international partners today to discuss the crisis in Israel and Palestine.

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• Statement on Israel and Palestine

‘Getting sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza is urgent. In addition, we must prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from escalating further and having serious regional consequences. If there is to be a lasting peace, we must think beyond weapons. Even now, in the middle of this conflict, we must think about what will happen afterwards,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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• Foreign Minister at Gaza summit in Cairo: ‘Urgent help needed in Gaza’

‘It gives hope that a first convoy of emergency aid has entered Gaza today. It is urgent to get food, water and medicine to civilians. The situation in Gaza is turning into a humanitarian catastrophe. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) does important and lifesaving work in Gaza. We are now expanding Norwegian support by NOK 60 million,’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said.

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• Norway increases support to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees

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• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide following reports of air strike on Gaza hospital

‘Good talk with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry today. I commended Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the situation & avoid further regional tensions,' Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said.

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• Foreign Minister Eide spoke with Egypt's Foreign Minister about Gaza

‘Important talk with my friend Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about Gaza, urgency of vital humanitarian access, how to use donor group AHLC in this situation, and need for political horizon’, Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.

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• Foreign Minister Huitfeldt discussed the situation in Gaza with Egypt's Foreign Minister

‘I just spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. I told him about the moving memorial ceremony I attended last night at the Synagogue in Oslo,’ Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.

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• Foreign Minister Huitfeldt spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen

‘There are horrific images and tragic accounts coming out of Gaza now. The scale of suffering and destruction is enormous. According to the UN, almost 500 children have been killed. This is completely unacceptable. Norway is now providing an additional NOK 70 million in humanitarian support for the civilian population in Gaza,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

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• Norway increasing support for civilian population in Gaza

I am deeply alarmed by the dramatic escalation in Israel and Gaza. The high number of people killed and injured is shocking. It is heartbreaking that hundreds of children have lost their lives in recent days, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

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• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt on the situation in Israel and Palestine

Mr President, like so many people in Norway and across the world, I am deeply shocked by the appalling terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy – and that of the Government – to the victims. And to everyone who has lost loved ones, to those who have experienced violence, murder and abuse, and to those who are now living with the uncertainty of what will happen next.

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• Prime Minister Støre´s address to the Storting on the situation in the Middle East

‘Just got off the phone with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Expressed Norway’s condemnation of Hamas horrific attacks on Israeli civilians,’ Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.

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• Foreign Minister Huitfeldt spoke with Egypt's Foreign Minister about Gaza

‘Talked with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell Fontelles, about the horrifying terror attacks by Hamas which have shocked the world to its core,’ Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.

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• Foreign Minister Huitfeldt discussed the situation in Israel with EUs Josep Borrell