Norway says Israeli strikes in Lebanon breach international humanitarian law

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Thursday condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon, describing them as a violation of international humanitarian law.

"I condemn the massive Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have caused immense suffering and destruction," Eide said in a statement.

He highlighted that a large number of the strikes were carried out without warning, affecting civilians during their daily routines, adding that nearly 200 people were killed and around 1,000 injured within 24 hours, including civilians and health care workers.

"All countries, including Israel, have a duty to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Yesterday’s attacks demonstrate that Israel is not acting in accordance with its obligations under international humanitarian law. This must stop," he said.

Eide warned that Israel's actions risk undermining broader regional stability, saying the attacks are jeopardizing a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

"The conflicts in the Middle East are interlinked, and we have made it clear that the ceasefire between the US and Iran must also include Lebanon," he added.

The expanded Israeli offensive on Lebanon since March 2 has killed 1,739 people and wounded 5,873 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.