Statement from Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on ceasefire negotiations: 'Expect more from both parties'

News story | Date: 06/05/2024| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'It is critical that both Hamas and Israel do more to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. The whole world is watching and expects both parties to demonstrate willingness to reach an agreement', says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

'Gaza is a man-made disaster. Words cannot describe the suffering and hardship its 2.3 million inhabitants have endured over the past seven months. The most important thing now is to agree to stop the hostilities, release the hostages and improve humanitarian access to Gaza. It is up to Israel and Hamas to put an end to the atrocities that have made Gaza almost unlivable for its people'.

'A ceasefire is essential to ensure that no more lives are lost among the Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli hostages still held there. The hostages must be protected and released. Israel must refrain from further plans to enter Rafah, where more than one million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. Israel has more to gain by refraining from a military operation against Rafah, given the uncertain outcome and the risk of too many civilian casualties. An operation against Rafah would be a tragedy for the population and make it even more difficult and dangerous to provide life-saving humanitarian aid to the population'.

'Every attack that jeopardises the possibility of getting enough vital aid into Gaza is a betrayal of Palestinian women and children. The attack by the Hamas military wing on an area at the Kerem Shalom border crossing is unacceptable. This is now affecting humanitarian deliveries to Palestinians threatened by famine. The parties must do more to protect aid shipments and the brave aid workers who, despite risking their own lives, are there for those suffering in Gaza'.

'Every attempt at a ceasefire could be the difference between life and death for too many people on both sides of the conflict. The short-term goal of such an agreement is to bring an end to the immense suffering in Gaza. At the same time, it is crucial that the international community, as well as Israeli and Palestinian authorities, engage on the political track, including moving forward the work for a Palestinian state. Having plans for what happens next is also crucial for the ongoing ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid work'.

'I reiterate my call on the parties to agree on a durable ceasefire, comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all of Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages', says the Foreign Minister.