Norway alarmed by surge in violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank

Norway has expressed concern over Israel's rising violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

"I am deeply alarmed by the recent surge in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Civilians are killed, homes and private property have been destroyed, and entire communities have been uprooted," said Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

In a statement, the minister said "the heightened regional tension, violence in the West Bank" poses "a significant threat to peace and stability and hinders any progress toward a Palestinian state and the much-needed two-state solution".   

Norway has aligned with the sanctions adopted by the EU on 19 April against extremist settlers in the West Bank, the statement adds.