- Norway is shocked that Israeli naval forces have shot and killed civilians while boarding a convoy carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza, says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
- I condemn this use of military force against civilians, Foreign Minister Støre says.
- A military attack against civilian activists is totally unacceptable. We are shocked at the news that Israeli naval forces have attacked ships bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, says Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in a comment to the Israeli boarding of the humanitarian convoy to Gaza.
- An independent international investigation into what has taken place, must be opened as soon as possible. Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will raise this issue with the UN Secretary General, Stoltenberg says.
The Israeli Ambassador in Oslo was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday to explain what has happened and to be informed of Norway’s reaction. So far there is little specific information about what actually happened. The Israeli authorities have imposed tight restrictions on the release of information. Israel has defended its actions by claiming that there were suspected terrorists and weapons on board the convoy.
- What is permitted in situations like this one is clearly defined in international law. The rules of international law cannot be set aside for political or military purposes, said the Norwegian Foreign Minister.
- The backdrop to this tragic incident is the blockade of Gaza. It is vital that the closure regime imposed on Gaza is lifted so that humanitarian aid and other necessary assistance can reach the Palestinian population, said Foreign Minister Støre.
Norway has repeatedly stated that the Israeli blockade of Gaza must be lifted.
