Norway condemns Gaza attacks, expresses concern
Mobile Edition. 02:43, 18 March, 2014
07:10, March 14, 2014
by Sarah Bostock and Michael Sandelson.
(Filed under News)
by Sarah Bostock and Michael Sandelson.
(Filed under News)
Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende came with his statement following retaliation to the rockets and mortar bombs.
“I condemn the rocket attacks launched from Gaza at southern Israel both yesterday and today,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende,” Thursday.
Palestinian armed group The Islamic Jihad group claimed responsibility for the attacks on Southern Israel with their operation “Breaking the Silence”.
They said it is a response to aggression by Israeli military after three Palestinian fighters were killed by Israeli forces in the enclave.
At least 60 rockets were targeted at Israel on within the course of two hours, Wednesday. There were no reports of fatalities.
The group also claimed they fired more than 130 rockets and mortar bombs. This figure was not verified, however. There were reports of rockets fired from Gaza, Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau vowed to continue striking Gaza rocket launcher squads “to thwart and hit those that want to harm us, and we will act against them with great force.''
“The violence in the area is worrying, and civilians on both sides are suffering,” said Norway’s Minister Brende. "Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks on its territory.
The rocket attacks on Israel came a day after an Israeli airstrike killed three Islamic Jihad members.
Israel pulled troops and settlers out of the now-Hamas-run territory in 2005. Forces maintain a naval and air blockade and restrict overland movement of people and goods across the border.
The Hamas group which controls Gaza has said they would hold Israel responsible for any escalation.
“We warn of the consequences of any escalation and we reiterate that resistance is the right of the Palestinian people to defend itself,” Ihab al-Ghassin, a spokesman for Hamas said.
