“Norwegian PEN protests against the restrictions Israel has imposed that refuses journalists access to Gaza and appeal to the Israeli authorities to remove them and help to ensure that journalists can work in Gaza without the risk of their lives.
As a result of these restrictions, the Norwegian doctors Mats Gilbert and Erik Fosse, and later the second docter from Norwac, in a certain period of time been the only Western sources of information from Gaza to the outside world. Norwegian PEN wants to distance themselves from the criticism that has been aimed at Gilbert and Fosse, and praises their efforts, both as doctors and as sources of information under very dramatic circumstances.
Norwegian PEN believes that negotiations and dialogue is the only navigable way to go to resolve conflicts and wants to address the authorities in Israel and Palestine, including Hamas, to explore new ways to reach a sustainable and lasting peace.
Moreover, Norwegian PEN addresses all countries and states, including USA, EU and neighbouring countries, to do everything they can to contribute to a lasting and just end to this war.
Violence breeds violence, fear and terror for the Palestinians, Israelis and all of us who are witnesses to what is happening in Gaza.”
