Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has delivered a scathing critique of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, calling the situation “alarming and dramatic” and describing Israel’s military actions as “barbaric.” In his statement, reported by Norwegian media and Anadolu, Store warned of dire consequences for civilians trapped within the conflict zone, highlighting an urgent humanitarian catastrophe that he says is unfolding “in our time.”
His remarks come as global bodies, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Red Cross, raise alarms over Gaza’s deteriorating conditions. Store noted that these institutions, alongside healthcare workers with firsthand experience on the ground, are sending out what he called “alarm messages.” He emphasized the severity of the situation, pointing to reports of starvation, disease, and a critical shortage of basic necessities, all of which endanger hundreds of thousands of lives. “It is alarming when we witness imminent starvation, death, and disease among hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in northern Gaza,” Store asserted. “And it is happening now, in our time.”
Israel’s offensive, which began over a year ago, has decimated Gaza, with Palestinian sources reporting over 43,000 deaths, including many women and children, and more than 101,000 injuries. Adding to the devastation, an estimated 11,000 individuals remain missing, feared dead beneath the rubble of destroyed homes and civilian infrastructure. These figures, which emerge amid accusations of potential genocide filed against Israel in the International Court of Justice, cast a stark light on the conflict’s toll. Although Israel denies these charges, the international community is increasingly vocal in its demands for accountability and an urgent de-escalation.
Prime Minister Store’s commentary resonates with broader European concerns and underscores the increasing disquiet among Norway’s Nordic neighbors. Ahead of the Nordic Council meeting in Iceland, Store will discuss the crisis with fellow leaders in hopes of building a united regional response. His remarks reflect the pressing need to uphold international humanitarian standards, especially as the principles meant to safeguard civilian life appear to be disregarded in Gaza. “When these principles are broken, as in Gaza, we find ourselves in barbarism,” he told Norway’s VG newspaper.
Gaza’s plight is aggravated by a stringent Israeli blockade that has cut off access to essentials like food, clean water, and medical supplies, further complicating efforts to address the unfolding crisis. Human rights groups argue that this blockade is exacerbating suffering on an unprecedented scale, as rescue efforts struggle to keep up with daily bombardments and civilians endure brutal living conditions.
The United Nations recently issued a grave warning about the risk of widespread death in northern Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. The combination of sustained military actions and resource scarcity means many Palestinians feel they have no refuge from violence. “They feel that nowhere is safe,” Store said, describing a level of civilian trauma that he and other European leaders view as a humanitarian emergency.
This crisis has heightened calls for an international ceasefire and a reevaluation of policies that continue to isolate Gaza. As Store and his Nordic counterparts prepare to convene, the world watches, hoping for a breakthrough that might spare Gaza’s vulnerable population further suffering. In the meantime, Norway’s prime minister has left no doubt about his country’s stance: the current trajectory, he warned, is one of deepening tragedy, and it demands immediate global attention and action.
