Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre:
Statement on the situation in Gaza
News story | Date: 28/12/2024 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The recent attacks in North Gaza against some of the few remaining operational hospitals, are unacceptable.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza, and particularly North Gaza, has long been catastrophic. In recent days, several Israeli airstrikes have targeted some of the few remaining operational hospitals in North Gaza.
On Christmas Eve, the United Nations (OCHA) reported that Israeli airstrikes have inflicted severe damage on Palestinian civilians who have already suffered immensely from intense attacks over a long period. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 50 people, including five healthcare workers, were killed in Israeli airstrikes near the Kamal Adwan hospital in North Gaza on December 26th. The Kamal Adwan hospital, which has been the only remaining major health facility in North Gaza, was forcibly evacuated yesterday following a military raid, according to the WHO.
In December alone, Israeli authorities are reported to have rejected 48 out of 52 UN requests for humanitarian access to the besieged areas in Northern Gaza.
UNICEF stated on December 26th that 11 children had lost their lives following Israeli attacks in the past three days alone. Over 90 percent of the population in Gaza is internally displaced. With winter setting in, together with the lack of food and shelter, living conditions are horrific, especially for children. According to Palestinian health authorities, four infants have frozen to death in recent days.
It is heartbreaking – and completely unacceptable – that the civilian population in Gaza, including children, is being deprived of life-saving treatment due to a shortage of hospitals, healthcare personnel and supplies.
Hospitals and medical personnel enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law. The UN and humanitarian organizations must be allowed to continue their critical work. The civilian population, the sick and the wounded must be given protection, food, and medical assistance.
Furthermore, it is completely unacceptable that Israeli authorities continue to prevent humanitarian actors from accessing those in need. It is imperative that humanitarian actors and their vital aid reach all parts of Gaza. I wish to appeal once more to the Israeli government: Israel must comply with its international obligations and do everything within its power to end the suffering now.
A ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and access to humanitarian aid are more urgent than ever.