The Oslo-based Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF) engaged in direct, systematic coordination with high-ranking Hamas officials, according to internal Hamas documents recovered from Gaza, declassified by the IDF and translated by NGO Monitor.
NOREF describes itself as an “independent foundation” that works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve international conflicts. It was, however, established on the initiative of the Norwegian government and remains primarily funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
According to NGO Monitor, the newly uncovered documents indicate that Hamas explicitly viewed NOREF as a strategic channel for influencing European Union policy and mitigating Hamas’ international isolation.
The evidence also reportedly shows that NOREF’s activities extended beyond occasional mediation and included at least one unpublicized joint project with EU-designated terrorist organizations.
Specifically, a July 2021 document details how Hamas explicitly sought to utilize NOREF’s access to Western political circles to manipulate European foreign policy.
Hamas officials met with NOREF staff in push to sway European position
The document said a meeting took place on May 15, 2021, between high-ranking Hamas officials – including Basem Naim (Head of Hamas’ Foreign Relations Office in Gaza) and Abdallah Walid (from the same office) – and a senior NOREF delegation consisting of Deputy Head Dr. Marte Heian-Engdal, Middle East Department Head Dr. Frida Nome, and Advisor Dr. Ziad Abu Mustafa.
The meeting’s stated agenda included “Mediating the relationship between Hamas and the European Union.”
During the meeting, Hamas detailed its strategy to capitalize on the “negative reality in the Palestinian territories to push toward changing the European position.”
The NOREF delegation allegedly solicited Hamas’ input on how to interface with European leaders to maximize benefit for Hamas, and asked, “What are the channels of communication that are currently working on dialogue between the movement [Hamas] and the European Union? How are we able to contribute to this dialogue without obstructing these efforts?”
A NOREF representative also praised Hamas’ cooperation on a joint initiative, stating, “We have the youth project, and we value your effort with us in facilitating some of the meetings and communications on this matter.”
NOREF trained Hamas, PIJ, PFLP, Fatah terrorists in 'political reconciliation'
A separate internal Hamas document from August 2022 provided evidence of sustained engagement between Hamas and NOREF regarding a planned Norwegian delegation visit to Gaza, NGO Monitor reported. According to the internal record, Hamas authorities met with Ziad Abu Mustafa (the NOREF advisor identified in the May 2021 document) to coordinate the delegation’s entry into Gaza, in consultation with Hamas’ Foreign Relations department.
The project carried out by NOREF aimed to conduct “training” for “Palestinian factions and civil society organizations” to achieve “political and social reconciliation.”
According to the document: “The current project being carried out includes 30 people who are members of Palestinian factions, such as Hamas, Fatah, [Palestinian] Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine.”
“It is clear from the internal documents that, rather than serving as a neutral facilitator, NOREF was viewed by Hamas as a channel to influence European positions, while operating with a distinct lack of public transparency,” NGO Monitor said.
“That a Norwegian-funded organization provided a platform for Hamas officials to discuss influencing European policy, and directly coordinated projects involving members of multiple EU-designated terrorist organizations, raises serious questions about the Norwegian government’s role in legitimizing Hamas across Europe.”
The Jerusalem Post reached out to NOREF and the MFA for comment.