Norway participates in humanitarian conference for the people of Gaza

"I am horrified by the scale of human and material destruction in Gaza. More than 10,000 people have reportedly been killed. Half of the buildings are damaged or in ruins. Norway urges the parties to call for an immediate ceasefire and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas must release the hostages they have taken immediately," said State Secretary Bjørg Sandkjær. 

The conference is attended by representatives from several key countries, the UN and other organisations that contribute to the humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The Palestinian Authorities (PA)  are represented by Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

One month after the war started, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Of the 10,000 people killed, more than 4,000 are children. For a month, the inhabitants have lived in constant fear. They lack essential goods such as water, food and medicine. It will take many years and billions of dollars to rebuild Gaza.

“All parties to this war are obliged to follow humanitarian law. This means that they must protect civilians and that attacks must distinguish between military targets and civilians, and civilian infrastructure. The parties are also obliged to ensure that vital emergency aid arrives people in need, even if fighting is ongoing. We are very concerned that even more civilians will be killed as Israel intensifies the ground war in Gaza City," said Sandkjær.

Sandkjær also calls for more support for the Palestinians:

"Norway has increased the humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians by NOK 200 million since the crisis began. We urge other countries to increase the humanitarian assistance and to continue to support the Palestinian Authority. The PA is crucial for the Palestinian population not only in the West Bank, but also in Gaza. If the authorities in the West Bank collapse, Israel will not have a negotiating partner when it is possible to resume peace negotiations," said State Secretary Sandkjær.