The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned the decision of the Israeli occupation government to prevent diplomats at the Norwegian embassy from working as representatives of their country to the State of Palestine.

Borrell said: "Today I received a phone call from Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, following the decision taken by Benjamin Netanyahu's government to revoke the diplomatic status of Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority."

He added: "I strongly condemn this unjustified decision, which contradicts the spirit of the Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority."

He continued: "On my instructions, the Head of the European Union Mission in Tel Aviv conveyed our position to the Israeli government. This is not a bilateral issue between Israel and Norway, but rather an issue that concerns all those who work for peace and stability in the Middle East."

Borrell explained that "as chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the coordination of international assistance to the Palestinian people (AHLC), Norway has played a key role in the Middle East peace process and in supporting the Palestinian people."

He stressed that "the European Union stands in full solidarity with Norway, an invaluable partner in our efforts to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region."

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz announced on Thursday that the Israeli government "will not allow eight Norwegian diplomats at the Norwegian embassy in Tel Aviv to continue their work as Norway's representatives to the Palestinian Authority."