In the current context of major humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine, the question of the responsibility of Western nations for violations of international law takes on crucial importance. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide recently expressed harsh criticism of some Western countries for their inconsistent responses to these violations.
Eide stressed the urgent need for solidarity and decisive action to respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He condemned the lack of responsiveness of some Western countries, which adopt a different narrative and level of condemnation when it comes to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza compared to situations such as the conflict in Ukraine.
The Norwegian minister’s comments come at a time when the crisis in Gaza is reaching catastrophic proportions, with a desperate need for humanitarian aid and a call for lasting peace in the region. He stressed the importance of global cooperation and solidarity to address the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities and societies.
In the same spirit, the Ethiopian Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide Mohamed, highlighted the unique and urgent nature of the crisis in Gaza. Mohamed called for rapid actions to end the humanitarian crisis and ensure lasting peace in the region, emphasizing its importance for global solidarity and cooperation.
For his part, American Secretary of State Antony Blinken is beginning his seventh diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas more than six months ago. As the conflict drags on since the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, the situation is worsening, with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed, hundreds of thousands displaced and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
It is imperative that the international community take concerted and effective measures to respond to these humanitarian crises and to work towards lasting peace in these conflict-torn regions. Diplomacy and international solidarity must prevail to guarantee the protection of civilian populations and the resolution of conflicts in a peaceful and lasting manner.