ISTANBUL 

Citing the “extraordinary” circumstances in Gaza and the West Bank, the wealth management fund run by Norway’s central bank has decided to exclude six more Israeli firms from its portfolio, it announced Monday.

The $2.2 trillion Norges Bank Investment Management fund – the world's largest wealth management fund – had already excluded 17 Israeli firms, with a total value of $143.3 million, from its portfolio, which is worth some $2.24 billion, according to recent figures.

The fund has now decided to exclude six additional companies, all with connections to the West Bank and Gaza. The names of these companies will be published once the divestment is completed, the bank said.

Last week Nicolai Tangen, the fund's CEO, said: "These measures were taken in response to extraordinary circumstances. The situation in Gaza is a serious humanitarian crisis."

On Monday, the fund, citing a letter from Norway's Finance Ministry, said the situation in the West Bank and Gaza has deteriorated.

"Questions have been raised around individual investments in the fund against this background," it added.

It added: "In light of this, Norges Bank has been asked to provide a renewed review of its work on following up the mandate, the fund's investments in Israeli companies and any potential new measures that Norges Bank considers necessary."