EU condemns Israel revoking Norwegian diplomats' status
The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned Israel's decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norway's envoys to the Palestinian Authority.
In a statement on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called Israel’s move “unwarranted.”
He said the decision disrupts the EU’s normal relations with the Palestinian Authority, adding that Norway has played a major role in supporting Palestinians.
"I strongly condemn this unwarranted decision, which contradicts the spirit of Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts the normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority," Borrell said.
"Norway has played a major role on the Middle East Peace Process and in support of the Palestinian population," he added.
Norway played a significant role in ironing out the Oslo Accords of the 1990s.
Borrell said he had discussed Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide after Israel's decision and said the EU stood in "full solidarity" with Oslo.
"Upon my instructions, the Head of the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv has conveyed our position to the Israeli Government," Borrell said, referring to the Tel Aviv regime.
"This is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East," he stated.
The Palestinian foreign ministry also accused Israel of resorting to baseless pretexts to put pressure on any government or international institution that tries to halt crimes and violations against Palestinians.
Reacting to Israel’s decision, Norway’s foreign minister said it would have consequences for Oslo’s relations with Tel Aviv.
Most countries in the world already recognize Palestinian statehood.
Norway, along with Spain and Ireland, has already announced its decision to recognize the Palestinian state.
The move has increased the number of UN member states recognizing a Palestinian state to 146.
In the past months, several other European countries indicated a plan to recognize a Palestinian state, saying the move is essential for lasting peace in the region.
The planned recognition will add pressure on Israel as its bloodiest-ever military campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip is in its eighth month now.
The barbarous regime has massacred at least 39,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza since early October.
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