Israel is setting a dangerous precedent for international human rights law violations in Gaza that threatens global security, Norway’s international development minister has warned.
Norway, which historically facilitated the 1993 Oslo peace accords and recognised Palestinian statehood last year, has raised serious concerns about deteriorating respect for international law.
“For the last one and a half years we have seen very low respect for international law in the war in Gaza and in recent months it is worse than ever before,” Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust said.
“So for the Norwegian government it is very important to protest against this, to condemn this very clear violation”.
Global implications of Gaza conduct
Beyond contributing to Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, Aukrust warned Israel’s actions pose threats to future conflicts globally.
“We are very concerned that there will be a new international standard where food is used as a weapon, where the UN is denied entrance to the war and conflict zone, and other NGOs are denied entrance,” he said.
The minister criticised Israel’s Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the controversial Israeli and US-backed logistical group that began distributing food this week.
Israeli forces fired “warning shots” at a distribution centre amid chaotic scenes, with Gaza health officials reporting at least one civilian killed and 48 injured.
A UN-backed assessment found Gaza’s entire population of approximately 2.1 million people at critical famine risk, with half a million categorised as facing catastrophe.
Dialogue remains priority
Despite condemnation, Aukrust confirmed Norway would maintain “open lines” to all parties, including Hamas, for dialogue and promised long-term commitment to Gaza reconstruction.
“We have no limitation of who we are talking to,” he said. “Dialogue is the most important word when it comes to peacemaking and we want to have an open line with all countries, all groups that might have an influence here”.
On genocide allegations, Aukrust said politicians should not determine whether the term applies to Gaza, leaving such decisions to the International Court of Justice.
“Genocide is the worst crime a country can do and the worst crime that politicians can do and this should not be polarised,” he said.
Economic measures continue
Norway’s oil fund, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, has blacklisted 11 companies for assisting Israel’s occupation. Next week, parliament is expected to reject calls preventing fund investment in companies operating in occupied Palestinian territories.
Aukrust clarified that investment decisions rest with the bank, whilst politicians set rules prohibiting investment in activities violating international law.
Norway’s May 2024 recognition of Palestinian statehood aimed “to send out a message of hope,” Aukrust said, urging continued European protests and political engagement whilst promising Norwegian initiatives to address the crisis.
Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.
(information from The Guardian)
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