Plan to Annex Gaza a Blatant Violation of International Law: Norway
This is a gross violation of international law that goes against the statements of the world’s highest court that occupation is illegal… But, I was unfortunately not surprised
Norway, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has sharply condemned the Israeli occupation’s reported intentions to annex parts of the Gaza Strip, describing the move as a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous step toward permanent occupation.
In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Tuesday, Eide stated:
“This is a gross violation of international law that goes against the statements of the world’s highest court that occupation is illegal… But, given the current political climate in Israel, I was unfortunately not surprised. Because it seems that there are no more limits.”
Eide's comments came hours after ABC News reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was weighing the option of annexing portions of the besieged territory if the Palestinian resistance group Hamas does not agree to a ceasefire plan. The report cited sources familiar with the internal deliberations of the Israeli government.
“Permanent Occupation” Would Deepen Legal Violations
Foreign Minister Eide emphasized that any such move would go beyond temporary wartime measures and constitute a formal shift toward indefinite occupation.
“The reported annexation would be even more illegal because it implies a permanent occupation,” he warned.
The proposal has sparked renewed international concern, particularly as Gaza continues to suffer under intense bombardment and a long-standing blockade.
Legal experts and human rights organizations have consistently argued that annexation of occupied territory is a serious breach of international law, including the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions.
European Shift Toward Recognition of Palestine
In a separate interview with the Financial Times, Eide acknowledged the ongoing diplomatic paralysis in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but maintained that the two-state solution remains the only viable framework for peace.
“We are fully cognizant that a state does not magically appear because you recognise it. That’s why we all thought that recognition would be at the end of a process,” he said.
“But we changed our view — and Macron changed the French view — because there isn’t a process. There haven’t really been talks since 2013.”
Eide’s remarks reflect a growing trend among European states to unilaterally recognize the State of Palestine amid continued settlement expansion and the absence of negotiations.
On July 25, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, signaling a broader shift in European foreign policy.
Netanyahu Reportedly Considering Annexation of Gaza Territories
According to a report by ABC News, Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering annexing parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to agree to the proposed ceasefire deal. An unnamed official told the outlet:
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering a plan to annex territories in Gaza if Hamas doesn’t agree to a ceasefire plan. This is one of several options.”
This revelation comes amid indirect ceasefire negotiations between the Israeli occupation and Hamas, which resumed in Doha on July 6. However, those talks have so far yielded no breakthrough.
On July 24, both the United States and the Israeli occupation withdrew their negotiators from the talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of showing a “lack of desire” to reach a ceasefire.
Hamas Reaffirms Commitment to Truce
Hamas has rejected the accusations, expressing surprise at the characterization and reiterating its commitment to a ceasefire agreement.
The group emphasized that it was negotiating in good faith, and stated that the primary obstacle to progress has been Israel’s refusal to accept key humanitarian and security conditions. (PW)
Al-Mayadeen