Norway condemns 'Israel' for 'brutal warfare', rules of war violations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
13 Oct 2024 10:59

Norway has issued strong criticism of "Israel's" actions in Gaza, labeling what it calls military operations as “brutal warfare” amid its violations of international law.

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Palestinians walk through the destruction left by an Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP)

Norway sharply criticized "Israel" for its “brutal warfare” in Gaza, accusing the country of violating the rules of war.

“Israel’s brutal warfare in Gaza includes indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, as well as measures that prevent the population from receiving humanitarian aid. This is in violation of the rules of war,” said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in a statement.

He pointed out that the Israeli entity continues to largely block access to food and essential emergency aid. The UN has warned that without increased humanitarian access and commercial food trade, “Gaza will experience full-scale famine by November,” Eide added.

“Civilians, the sick and wounded must receive protection, food, and essential medical assistance,” the Minister emphasized.

He noted that a ceasefire, the release of captives, and sufficient emergency aid for the people of Gaza are critical first steps, though a ceasefire alone is not a solution.

“Only a two-state solution and respect for international law can provide lasting stability and security in the Middle East. I call on all parties to de-escalate and to replace force of arms with diplomacy and negotiations,” Eide stated.

No food has entered northern Gaza since start of October: CNN

The World Food Programme (WFP) lately issued an urgent warning, reporting that no food has entered northern Gaza since the start of October, leaving over one million people at risk of severe hunger.

This development follows months of dwindling aid deliveries, with the number of trucks entering northern Gaza falling from 700 in August to just 400 in September due to the closure of commercial operations at the Allenby Crossing.

By October, the WFP confirmed that no food trucks had reached northern Gaza, forcing the suspension of food parcel distributions and escalating fears of region-wide famine.

"Hunger remains rampant and the threat of famine persists," the WFP said in a statement, adding, "If the flow of assistance does not resume, one million vulnerable people will be deprived of this lifeline."

Adding to the dire situation, two major bakeries in central Gaza—al-Banna Bakery and Zadna Bakery—have been forced to close for three days due to a shortage of flour and fuel, local workers told CNN.

These bakeries, which are supported by the WFP, are essential providers of bread, a staple food for many Palestinians.

Ahmad Abed, an employee at Al-Banna Bakery, described the impact, "I am the head of a family of six. The day I work, I can feed my family. The day I don’t, we don’t eat. People are chasing flour, and we go to bakeries searching for where bread is available."

Amjad Al-Shawa, Director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network, spoke of the severity of the situation, noting that most people in Gaza depend on humanitarian aid.

"The shortage of flour and production materials has led to the closure of essential bakeries, putting many at risk of hunger and famine," he told CNN.

Bread has become a crucial necessity for Palestinians since the war began over a year ago.

However, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently reported that September saw the lowest level of commercial and humanitarian supplies entering Gaza since March 2024.

'Israel' blocks two WHO aid missions to besieged Northern Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday accused "Israel" of blocking two humanitarian missions attempting to enter northern Gaza.

The missions, which aimed to evacuate critical patients and deliver essential fuel, blood units, and medical supplies, were forced to turn back due to Israeli checkpoints and other barriers, the WHO said on Thursday.

A total of seven such missions have been denied or obstructed this week.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on "Israel" to stop the evacuation orders and to protect hospitals and humanitarian missions.

"North Gaza has barely any health services left. People have nowhere to go," he warned, calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect those trapped in the genocide.