Statement by Foreign Minister Eide and Minister of International Development Aukrust on Humanitarian Access to Gaza

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 02/05/2025

– After 18 months of war, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian aid and supplies for two months. Under international law, Israel is obliged to facilitate aid to the Palestinian population. I want to emphasise that the use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited under international humanitarian law, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

According to local authorities in Gaza, more than 52,400 people have been killed and 118,000 injured in Gaza 7 October 2023. Over 90 per cent of the population is internally displaced, and 92 per cent of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged.

Israeli blockade and restrictions on humanitarian aid

In recent months, Israel has increasingly restricted the operations of humanitarian organisations in Gaza. The number of children suffering from acute malnutrition has nearly doubled since the blockade began on 2 March. The World Food Programme stated last week that it has depleted all its food stocks. Medicine supplies and medical equipment are critically low and are expected to be completely exhausted soon. Additionally, Gaza is running out of fuel. The UN and AIDA, which represents international non-governmental organisations in Palestine, have conveyed to Israeli authorities that they cannot accept guidelines that violate fundamental humanitarian principles.

– After two months of blockade, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical. We are deeply concerned that humanitarian assistance to Palestine is under increasing pressure and that Israel is introducing new demands and control measures. A system that gives full Israeli control over the delivery of aid to Gaza, while at the same time depriving UN agencies and other humanitarian actors of the ability to independently manage their operations, is unacceptable, said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

Case before the UN’s highest court

Last autumn, Norway initiated a UN General Assembly resolution that requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Israel’s obligations under international law. 137 countries voted in favour of the resolution. This week, public hearings are being held at the Court. In Norway’s statement to the ICJ yesterday, and in the UN Security Council on Tuesday, it was emphasised that Israel is obliged to provide the UN and other humanitarian organisations with full access, and that humanitarian principles must be upheld. This includes ensuring that aid is needs-based, impartial, neutral, and reaches people in need.

– The key message in Norway’s statement to the International Court of Justice is that Israel has clear legal obligations under international law to ensure full access for international assistance to Palestinians in need. That the UN’s highest court is addressing this issue is crucial—not only to protect Palestinians, but also to safeguard the UN’s ability to operate in Palestine, to uphold fundamental humanitarian principles, and to defend international law. No country is above international law. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made, and it can be resolved if the parties are willing to prioritise the needs of the civilian population, said Eide.

Humanitarian principles must be respected

– Norway strongly opposes any plans that would facilitate forced displacement of the population in Gaza. Humanitarian aid must also not be used to achieve political or military objectives. At a time when international cooperation and the rule of law are under pressure, it is more important than ever to support the UN and humanitarian organisations, who demand that Israeli guidelines for humanitarian assistance must be in line with humanitarian principles, said Åsmund Aukrust.