Violence against civilians must never be tolerated
–We strongly condemn the attacks on Israel and Gaza. Civilians must never be a target and must be protected, says acting Secretary General of Norwegian People’s Aid, Per Nergaard.
![Røyk stiger fra Gaza etter israelske angrep 7. oktober 2023.](https://www.npaid.org/media/files/featured/_822xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/NTB_55m5Qrqa2SE.jpg?c=20231007161508)
–We are deeply worried about the humanitarian consequences of the strikes we are witnessing.
What is important now is to avoid a continued escalation of violence. When explosive weapons are used in populated areas like we are seeing now, approximately 90% of those injured and killed are civilians: women, men, girls and boys. Vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities and the elderly are the hardest hit.
All parties must immediately de-escalate the situation and respect civilian life while upholding International Humanitarian Law and ensuring humanitarian access to those in need and affected by the violence.
![Portrett therese](https://www.npaid.org/media/files/people/users/_36x36_crop_center-center_82_none/portrett_therese.jpg?c=20200823113511)