Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced today, during an interview conducted at the World Economic Forum in Davos, that a number of European, Arab states, and the United States are working on a concept for forming a unified Palestinian government capable of attracting funds for reconstruction in Gaza Strip.
Barth elaborated that several countries are collaborating in an endeavor to establish a unified Palestinian unity government, although he did not disclose these nations or provide any additional details.
He continued, stating that Norway’s view is that the Palestinian territories should be managed by the Palestinian Authority, and that the governing authority of the Palestinian territories should reflect the will of the Palestinian people.
He noted that the pursuit of a two-state solution has become urgent amid escalating conflict in the region; however, only the United States and the Israeli populace are capable of influencing Israel’s stance, in his words.
Israel rejects the two-state solution, asserting that if a Palestinian state is established, it must be demilitarized to ensure it doesn’t threaten Israel’s security.
Norway played a facilitating role in the talks between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel between 1992 and 1993, which led to the Oslo Accords in 1993.
Since the Oslo talks, Norway has chaired an international donor group tasked with coordinating aid to the Palestinian territories and a special liaison committee, working alongside others in efforts to revive a diplomatic channel between Israel and the Palestinians.
The government media office in Gaza has reported that about 65,000 residential units were destroyed, or have become uninhabitable, meaning approximately half a million people are without a home to return to.
