Norwegian Foundation Accused of Coordinating with Hamas to Influence EU Policy
The Oslo-based Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF) is alleged to have engaged in direct and systematic coordination with high-ranking Hamas officials. This claim is based on internal Hamas documents recovered from Gaza, declassified by the IDF, and translated by NGO Monitor. According to these documents, Hamas viewed NOREF as a strategic conduit for influencing European Union policy and mitigating its international isolation. A July 2021 document reportedly details Hamas's explicit intention to leverage NOREF's access to Western political circles to manipulate European foreign policy. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that NOREF's activities extended beyond occasional mediation, including at least one unpublicized joint project with EU-designated terrorist organizations. NOREF, while describing itself as an 'independent foundation,' was established on the initiative of the Norwegian government and is primarily funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 
