State Secretary, Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen has voiced deep concern about the fighting between Israeli forces and militant Palestinian groups in Gaza during the past week, and the heavy human toll this has taken.

"We appreciate Israel’s need to protect itself against terrorists. Norway has repeatedly called on the Palestinian Authority to do its utmost to combat Palestinian terrorism. This does not, however, justify the kind of operations currently being carried out by Israel in densely populated areas of Gaza. Israel must immediately halt these operations. In Norway’s view, the widespread demolition of Palestinian homes is in conflict with international law," said Mr Helgesen.

"Israel and the Palestinian Authority must do everything in their power to calm down the situation. The parties must move onto a more constructive track and focus on implementing the Road Map, in accordance with the Quartet’s recommendations," Mr Helgesen added.