A Federal Foreign Office spokesperson today issued the following statement on the Israeli Government’s decision regarding the Norwegian representative office in the Palestinian territories:

We condemn Israel’s decision to deprive Norwegian diplomats of the basis for their work in the Palestinian territories. This applies both to consular activities and to political cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.

This decision runs counter to the fulfilment of the Oslo Accords. This is not only a bilateral issue between Norway and Israel, but also a further setback on the way to a two-state solution.

For decades, Norway has been doing constructive, irreplaceable work for peace in the region, not only as guardian of the Oslo Accords, but recently also as an intermediary administering funds belonging to the Palestinian Authority.

Germany, along with the EU, stands shoulder to shoulder with Norway. Hindering diplomats as they work to promote peace in the region is not a solution. Diplomatic channels are indispensable – especially now.