(VOVWORLD) - The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Thursday said Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats serving the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the reason was Norway's recent recognition of the state of Palestine.
Norway said the same day it had summoned an Israeli embassy official over Israel's decision. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said Norway has always maintained friendly relations with Israel, but the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has caused much damage to the Palestinian people. He added that Israel's decision will have consequences for the bilateral relationship.
The US criticized Israel's actions, highlighting Oslo's important role in the Middle East.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said Israel's move contradicts the spirit of the Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.