NORWEGIAN trade unions have voted for a full boycott of Israel if the occupation of Palestinian territories does not end by September 25 this year, it was reported on Saturday. 

The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), comprised of 21 affiliations, passed the motion last week at congress with the support of 88 per cent of delegates, as calls continue to grow for an international economic boycott of Israel.

Senior official Steinar Krogstad said LO wants Norway’s £1.34 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, “to pull out of the companies that have activities in the occupied Palestinian territories,” and not invest in firms that breach international law. 

“This question is on the agenda because of Israel’s policy, attacks and war in Gaza and in the West Bank,” he said.

Investors in the fund include the government pension fund, Norwegian companies and financial institutions.

Congress also called on Norwegian authorities to work to end Israel’s occupation and the blockade of Gaza.

Norway has already announced official recognition of the state of Palestine.