LONDON: Norway’s foreign minister Espen Barth Eide has urged the world community to stand firm with the Palestinians in Gaza in the same way it has taken a position in favour of Ukraine.
Norway has been among the most vocal European countries in saying that principles have to be applied throughout.
Speaking at the launch of Norway’s new humanitarian strategy on Friday, Eide said: “So, if we believe that bombing a flat of civilian apartments in Kherson is wrong with weapons made for the battlefield, we are right.
“If the same type of bombing happens in Gaza City or in Khan Younis or in Rafah, it’s also wrong, and we have to say it there as well, because otherwise, we are sending a signal to the world that this is a menu of principles from which we choose.”
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The comments from the Norwegian foreign minister came after the country together with Ireland and Spain announced Wednesday that they will recognize a Palestinian state from May 28.
He lamented that in large parts of the world community, principles are not as firm as they should be, which, he said, is bad for Gaza.
He advocated for the same response to a violation regardless of who is breaking the international law.
The minister said that “very severe and dramatic conflicts,” in Ukraine and Gaza need the world’s attention.
He warned that the compliance with Human law and key humanitarian principles worldwide is not growing but falling.
Israel has continued its brutal offensive on parts of Gaza despite a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
