Statement from Minster Eide: Norway strongly opposes the recent Israeli statement on building a synagogue on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount

News story | Date: 28/08/2024| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'Norway strongly opposes the recent statement by Israel's Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, that he wants to build a synagogue on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount', said Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Espen Barth Eide.

'This provocation joins a series of unacceptable statements and actions by the Minister, aimed at altering the historical status quo in Jerusalem and fueling tension at a time when the region is in dire need of the opposite', said Eide.

'All attention should now be on what is most important: a ceasefire, the release of hostages and de-escalation, including in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Norway expects all parties to adhere to the status quo for the holy sites in Jerusalem and Jordan's trusteeship', Eide said.