Norway forced to close representative office in Palestine over spat with Israel

Norway's Representative Office in West Bank town Al-Ram, Palestine, closed on Friday after the Israeli government decided to no longer facilitate Norway's diplomatic presence with the Palestinian Authority, reported Xinhua.

In a press release, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the Israeli decision as "extreme and unreasonable," stating that it targets the Palestinians, the Palestinian Authority, all who defend international law, the two-state solution, and the Palestinians' legitimate right to self-determination.

Despite the closure, Norway will continue its support for the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian people. "We will do our utmost to ensure that this does not affect our work for Palestine and a viable Palestinian state. Our commitment will continue with full force," said Eide.

For more than 30 years, Norway and its Representative Office have been committed to promoting a two-state solution, fostering peace between Israel and Palestine, and building Palestinian institutions, the minister said.

The Netanyahu government's decision, Eide said, has significantly impacted the local staff, Norwegian diplomats, and their families. "We are now fully focused on how to safeguard our employees and our work in the best possible way," the minister added.

He expressed Norway's gratitude for the support it had received from some countries and stated that it will continue its support for "a viable Palestinian state and a sustainable two-state solution."