By Leila Nezirevic
LONDON (AA) - Norway’s foreign minister on Friday urged the international community to stand firm with the Palestinians in Gaza in the same way it has taken a position in favor of Ukraine.
Norway has been among the most vocal Western countries in saying that “if we believe in principles, they have to apply throughout,” Espen Barth Eide said at the launch of Norway's new humanitarian strategy.
He said: “So, if we believe that bombing a flat of civilian apartments in Kherson is wrong with weapons made for the battlefield, we are right.
“If the same type of bombing happens in Gaza City or in Khan Younis or in Rafah, it's also wrong, and we have to say it there as well, because otherwise, we are sending a signal to the world that this is a menu of principles from which we choose.”
The foreign minister’s comments came after Norway together with Ireland and Spain announced on Wednesday that they will recognize a Palestinian state from May 28.
He pointed out that in large parts of the international community, principles are not as firm as they should be, which according to him is bad for Gaza.
Regardless of who is breaking the international law, the violation requires the same response, he added.
The minister said that “very severe and dramatic conflicts,” in Gaza and Ukraine need the world’s attention.
The compliance with International Human law and with key humanitarian principles is not growing but falling, Eide warned.
“When that happens, particularly in these most visible wars in Ukraine and in Gaza or the Middle East, it is particularly alarming because, in a sense, it sets a negative standard,” he added.
Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.
At least 35,800 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and over 80,200 others injured since October following an attack by Hamas.
More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.