LONDON

Norway's Foreign Ministry announced Friday that its representative office in Al-Ram, Palestine, has been forced to close indefinitely due to Israel's decision to cease facilitating Norway's diplomatic representation to the Palestinian Authority.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the move, calling it "extreme and unreasonable" and aimed at undermining those who defend international law, the two-state solution, and Palestinians' right to self-determination.

Despite the closure, Eide affirmed Norway’s continued support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, vowing that Norway's commitment to a sustainable two-state solution remains strong.

The shutdown impacts both local and diplomatic staff, with Norway's government now focused on safeguarding its employees and maintaining its efforts in the region.

The closure follows Israel's recent revocation of diplomatic status for several Norwegian diplomats, further straining relations between the two nations.

Since Israel's assault on Gaza began on Oct. 7, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and more than 92,400 others injured, according to Gaza's local health authorities.