Norwegian labour movement aid agency statement on Gaza

Norwegian People's Aid, the sister organisation of Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA, issued the following statement on Gaza on 5 January.

For information

Stop Israeli war crimes

Statement from Norwegian People's Aid: Israel's current attack on the Gaza Strip is now into its tenth day. After several days of airborne attack, Israel has now commenced an invasion with ground forces.

The number of Palestinians killed has risen to over 500 and 2500 have been wounded. Many of those killed are people who have not been actively involved in the conflict. None in Gaza feels safe and all are extremely traumatised. There are no bomb-shelters in Gaza and the population is trapped as if in a prison. Prior to the onset of this latest round of hostilities at Christmas, Gaza was the victim of a severe, eighteen-month long blockade. There have thus been desperate shortages of even the most essential goods for some considerable time. As a result of the intense military action, the population now faces a complete humanitarian crisis.

War crimes

Israel's actions on the Gaza Strip must be characterised as war crimes. The massive attacks affecting people who are not combatants, the disproportionate military use of violence and the blockade of an entire population are clear breaches of the international law for humanitarian concerns as laid down in the 4th Geneva Convention, both where the obligations of an occupying power and the rules of warfare are concerned.

During the last few days we have witnessed attacks on the vegetable market in Gaza, attacks on ambulances in service and attacks on a host of non-military targets such as universities, mosques and apartment buildings.

Norwegian People's Aid demands that a commission of inquiry be set up to document these breaches of international law so that those responsible may be called to account. Norway must therefore take up the case at the UN so that such a commission may be set up. Norway must also follow up and contribute to robust international pressure so that the commission may carry out its mandate.

A commission of this nature is also of particular importance because Israel, in recent months, has ensured that very few international personnel have been granted permission to enter Gaza. Journalists, aid workers and diplomats have all been refused entry to Gaza for a considerable period.

Occupied and occupant

It has once again become necessary to point out that the Palestinians are the occupied party and Israel the occupying force in this conflict. Israel is the supreme military power and thus bears by far the greater responsibility. The launch of rockets from the Gaza Strip is indefensible but there is no sense of proportionality in the scale of the bombing of Gaza in relation to these rockets. Israel's blockade of Gaza is the primary source of the conflict and Israel never kept to the terms of the six-month ceasefire since the numbing blockade was never lifted.

Condemnation

Norwegian People's Aid condemns the Israeli aggression in Gaza. The attacks must be halted and the blockade of Gaza lifted immediately. The borders must be opened and international aid organisations allowed into Gaza in order to evaluate the damage and, most importantly, distribute necessary medical equipment, food and fuel. Without the lifting of the blockade, effective emergency aid will prove impossible. Allocated Norwegian funds will have to be followed by a lifting of the blockade if equipment and supplies are to be able to enter Gaza.

Emergency aid

Norwegian People's Aid will now apply to MFA for increased funds for our emergency aid projects in the agricultural and fisheries sector as well as for education. The scale of destruction is extensive and we will continue to do as much as we can to ensure the Palestinians can cope with the consequences of the Israeli attack.

Pressure on the aggressor

Norwegian People's Aid calls upon the Norwegian government to express greater condemnation of Israeli military policy and to put further pressure on all relevant parties in order to bring a halt to hostilities. Without such pressure the violence will not be brought to an end and the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip will continue to suffer. Israel must be called to account for its crimes.

http://www.npaid.org

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 08-Jan-2009 17:35:25 EST
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