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OPT: Calls for an immediate ceasefire

Israel must stop its attacks on the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire must be put in place with immediate effect, says Norwegian People's Aid Secretary General, Petter Eide.

Israel is demonstrating total contempt for civilian life in continuing its attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. Over the weekend we have seen tens of children killed right before our eyes. It's shocking, says Petter Eide, emphasising that a ceasefire between the parties will also put a stop to rocket attacks against southern Israel.

The numbers of killed and wounded rose minute by minute over the weekend. Hospitals were overloaded and had great difficulties in maintaining life-saving operations. There is a shortage of both blood and medicines. In addition, the shortage of fuel threatens the civilian population's right to life and health, says Eide.

At the same time, Norway proposed that a humanitarian corridor be opened into the Gaza Strip to allow entry of life-sustaining supplies and so that the wounded may receive help. Egypt has opened its border for the treatment of the wounded.

Norway must use all possible channels to ensure that a humanitarian corridor of this kind may be maintained in the long term; that the situation was somewhat calmer on Monday does not alter this necessity. Military action apart, Israel's extended blockade of the Gaza Strip has created an untenable situation in the area.

The blockade of Gaza must be lifted. It is this blockade of 1.5 million people that is the underlying problem, and which must be solved, says Eide.

Norwegian People's Aid has been forced to close its office on the Gaza Strip. Local representative Kirsten Belck-Olsen says that the current situation is too dangerous for NPA employees to move about outside.

Belck-Olsen is currently in Jerusalem where, on Sunday, the Palestinians of East Jerusalem went on strike in support of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

There's a war going on here and people are terribly frightened and nervous. They fear that Israel may escalate its military efforts. No-one feels safe anywhere anymore, says Belck-Olsen.

Norwegian People's Aid fears that the conflict may spread to the West Bank if the international community does not take immediate action. The Palestinian autonomous authority has suspended peace negotiations with Israel in protest.