Norwegian foreign minister welcomes ceasefire in Gaza

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has emphasised the importance of addressing what comes after a potential ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that it alone won’t provide a lasting resolution.

In remarks made in Oslo, Eide acknowledged signs of an imminent ceasefire, describing them as “more concrete and promising” than before. However, he cautioned that while a ceasefire would be a welcome step, it would not resolve the underlying issues.

“A ceasefire is not a solution,” Eide stated. “It would bring the release of hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and an end to hostilities, but it won’t undo the damage of the past or restore the situation to how it was before October 6, 2023.”

He said the international community needs to focus on what happens next and work towards a long-term solution, including Palestinian statehood and institution-building.