Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has issued a warning about the potential collapse of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which governs the West Bank.
The warning came during a conversation with Reuters.
Critical Situation
Eide cited several critical issues contributing to the potential collapse, including severe funding shortages, ongoing violence, and the restriction preventing half a million Palestinians from working in Israel.
"The situation is extremely difficult. The Palestinian Authority, with whom we work closely, is warning us that they may collapse this summer," Eide said in the interview.
He added, "If this happens, another Gaza may emerge, which will be terrible for everyone, including the people of Israel."
Norway leads the international donor group supporting the Palestinians and is a key supporter of the Palestinian National Authority.
The PNA, established in 1994 following the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), governs the territories of the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
But the PNA lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2006.
On May 28, Norway, along with Spain and Iceland, officially recognized the statehood of Palestine despite strong opposition from Israel.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre explained that recognizing the Palestinian state is important for achieving peace in the Middle East.
