Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has condemned the Israeli airstrike that killed five Al Jazeera journalists and their driver at a tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, calling the attack “outrageous and completely unacceptable.” The victims included correspondents Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qariqa, photojournalists Ibrahim Zaher and Moamen Aliwa, and driver Mohammed Nofal.

Minister Eide highlighted that more than 218 journalists have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of the ongoing assault on Gaza, making the enclave one of the most dangerous places in the world for media workers. He warned that these killings are part of a deliberate strategy to conceal war crimes, including mass killings and systematic starvation, while preventing the truth from reaching the global community.

Stressing the vital role of journalists in conflict zones, Eide held the Israeli occupation fully responsible and urged the international community to protect media workers and ensure free reporting from Gaza. His remarks come as Israel continues its 675th day of military operations, maintaining a blockade that fuels widespread hunger and devastation, and prompting growing international calls to end violations against civilians and press freedom.