Marrakech – Norway announced on Friday that it has been compelled to shut down its Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority in Al-Ram indefinitely, after Israel made the extraordinary decision to cease facilitating Norwegian diplomatic representation to Palestine.
In a press conference, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide strongly condemned the Israeli government’s “extreme and unreasonable” move, which he said deliberately targets “the Palestinians, the Palestinian Authority, and all those who defend international law, the two-state solution and the Palestinians’ legitimate right to self-determination.”
The closure deals a blow to Norway’s over 30 years of efforts to support Palestinian state-building and broker a viable peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.
However, Eide vowed that Norway’s commitment to the Palestinian cause remains unshakeable.
“We will do our utmost to ensure that this does not affect our work for Palestine and for a viable Palestinian state,” the Foreign Minister asserted. “Our support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people will continue with full force.”
Eide acknowledged that the Israeli decision has serious ramifications, impacting both Norway’s local Palestinian staff, many of whom have served the Representative Office for years, as well as its diplomats and their families.
He further said the Norwegian government is fully focused on safeguarding its employees and maintaining its vital work in Palestine to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances.
The shutdown follows Israel’s revocation earlier this month of the diplomatic credentials of eight Norwegian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, escalating tensions between the two countries.
Relations have deteriorated significantly since Norway’s recognition of the State of Palestine in May, a move that infuriated Israel.
Over 140 countries, representing more than two-thirds of the United Nations member states, have already officially recognized Palestinian statehood.
However, Norway was the first major Western European nation to do so, prompting backlash from Israel and the United States.
In a phone call with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on Thursday, Eide discussed the path forward for Norway’s efforts in Palestine.
The Foreign Ministry also expressed gratitude for the strong diplomatic support Norway has received from key partners, including the European Union, Germany, France, the UK and even the US. The Ministry further noted that these countries have lodged protests with Israel over its retaliatory action against Norway.
Still, Eide emphasized that Norway remains a friend of the Israeli people and has unequivocally condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas that ignited the current round of deadly violence.
He said Norway has clearly communicated that Hamas must immediately release Israeli hostages and agree to an urgent ceasefire.
Sensitive ceasefire negotiations are currently underway in Doha aimed at securing a truce and the freedom of the captives.
“It is high time that this agreement is reached,” Eide said, warning of devastating consequences for Palestinians if the talks fail and Israel further escalates its assault.
According to Palestinian officials, the closure of Norway’s Al-Ram office is a troubling sign of Israel’s determination to cut off the outside world’s access to Palestine and eliminate any witnesses to its policies in the occupied territories.
With humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly, they fear other countries could face similar reprisals from Israel for their diplomatic presence and human rights monitoring activities.
Amidst a staggering Palestinian death toll of over 40,000 since Israel’s onslaught began in October, the UN has warned that only 11% of the besieged Gaza Strip remains a safe zone.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister’s comments underscored the urgency for the international community to redouble its engagement to protect Palestinian civilians and salvage the prospects for a just, peaceful solution before it is too late.
Read also: The Frustrating State of Gaza Cease-Fire Negotiations
