Norway is deeply concerned over the development in the Middle East, and condemned Israel's reactions against Lebanon, which are out of proportion to the attacks the Israelis have been exposed to, Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported on Friday.

"I am deeply concerned over the developments we're now seeing in the Middle East. We must at all costs avoid a situation that will turn into a regional crisis," Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement on Thursday evening.

"Norway condemns Hezbollah's attack on Israel and the abduction of the two Israeli soldiers on Wednesday," Stoere said, adding that "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," the Norwegian Foreign Minister said.

He also said that Israel must respect International law and its statements that retaliation should be in proportion to the attacks.

Norway also joins other nations in calling on the United Nation Security Council to intervene in the conflict.

Norwegian authorities are maintaining contact with Norwegian citizens in Lebanon, and has strengthened its embassy in Beirut with personnel from Damascus.

The Norwegian Department of Foreign Affairs has also advised against travels to Lebanon which are not absolutely necessary.

Source: Xinhua