Norway’s international development minister, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, has spoken to Al Jazeera Arabic about her country’s decision to increase its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

“People started this catastrophe (in Gaza) and people can stop it […] The extra Norwegian contribution is in line with what we always do vis-a-vis UNRWA and we are also lobbying on its behalf with other stakeholders, telling them it’s vital not only for the people in Gaza but also for all Palestinians and there is no alternative for UNRWA,” she said.

“A country like Norway will do all it can diplomatically to get aid into Gaza, but we also have to plan for the day after so the international community has to work for a ceasefire and for the day after,” Tvinnereim added.

“Many countries in the region are taking the lead now and Norway is happy to support this,” she said.