Norway condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Norway has distanced itself from the European Union by castigating Israel's latest war crimes in Lebanon and warning Tel Aviv it was escalating a dangerous situation.

In contrast to previous European quite some had previously refused to condemn Israel, only suggesting its attacks are "proportionate and measured, conforms to international law, and avoids civilian deaths and suffering."

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said he was "deeply worried over the developments" in the Middle East.

"We must avoid a situation that will turn into an international crisis," he said.

"We also condemn the Israeli attacks against Lebanon, including the bombing of the Beirut Airport and the naval blockade of Lebanese waters. This is completely unacceptable, and amounts to a dangerous escalation of the situation," Stoere said.

He also said that Israel must respect international law.

Speaking on Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), the minister warned that "to punish Lebanon for that means that they haven't understood Lebanon's situation."

Switzerland as recently as days ago said Israel's attacks on civilians are a violation of international humanitarian law, which means a violation of the Geneva Convention. The UN civil rights committee has voted to start an investigation into Israel's actions.