Norway condemns attack on humanitarian workers in Gaza

Norway on Friday condemned as "utterly unacceptable" the attack on a UN vehicle in Gaza by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), urging an immediate investigation, reported Xinhua.

According to a UN spokesperson, two humanitarian workers in an armored vehicle with evident UN mark narrowly escaped injury after being targeted by IDF gunfire Tuesday evening while approaching an Israeli checkpoint in Gaza.

"Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world for humanitarian workers. It is utterly unacceptable that humanitarians, yet again, are targeted while providing lifesaving assistance to civilians," Norway's Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim said.

"The vehicle, carrying World Food Program staff, was targeted despite having received multiple clearances from the IDF. This incident must be investigated immediately" and International humanitarian law must be respected, always and everywhere, she noted.

In a related statement Thursday, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed concern over escalating violence in the West Bank, which he said is further endangering Palestinian lives and livelihoods.

"Amidst the ongoing horrors in Gaza, the situation in the occupied West Bank is extremely dangerous. The massive Israeli military operations in and around Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas, escalate an already tense situation, with unforeseen consequences for the stability in the region," Eide stated.

He also condemned the actions of armed extremist settlers, who continue to terrorize Palestinians with near-total impunity. Eide emphasized that achieving a sustainable two-state solution is essential for ensuring peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.