Norwegian Kneecap Criticizes Government for “Enabling Genocide” in Gaza at Øyafestivalen Music Festival

Kneecap Criticize Norway‘s Gaza Investment During Øyafestivalen Set

Irish rap trio Kneecap used their performance at Oslo’s Øyafestivalen on Friday (August 8) to voice strong criticism of the Norwegian government’s investment policies related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Before taking the stage, the band displayed a message on the festival’s video screens accusing the Norwegian government of “enabling genocide” in gaza through its Government Pension Fund Global – one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, boasting over £1.4trillion in assets.

The criticism stems from a recent report by Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten revealing the fund held approximately £11.3million in shares of Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd., an Israeli company that manufactures parts for military jets, between 2023 and 2024.

The revelation sparked controversy, prompting the Norwegian government to launch a review of the fund’s investments to ensure it isn’t supporting companies contributing to the war in Gaza. norway officially recognized Palestine as a state earlier this year.

Videos circulating on TikTok show the band’s message being displayed during their set, with attendees visibly reacting to the statement.kneecap have become known for their politically charged lyrics and outspoken views on social issues, and this latest presentation continues that trend.

The band are currently riding high on the success of their debut album and recent feature on the cover of NME, where they discussed their blend of protest, partying, and peace. This latest action underscores their commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about global conflicts and advocate for their beliefs.

How might Kneecap’s accusation of “enabling genocide” impact Norway’s diplomatic relations with israel?

The Protest at Øyafestivalen: A Focal Point for Gaza concerns

During the 2025 Øyafestivalen music festival in Oslo, Norwegian hip-hop duo Kneecap sparked controversy and ignited debate with a powerful on-stage protest. The group, known for their politically charged lyrics and pro-Palestinian stance, directly accused the Norwegian government of “enabling genocide” in Gaza. This act of defiance,occurring on August 9th,2025,quickly became a major talking point,drawing attention to the ongoing conflict and Norway’s relationship with israel. The incident highlights a growing wave of pro-Palestinian activism within the Norwegian music scene and broader public discourse.

Kneecap’s Statement and the Immediate Reaction

Kneecap’s statement wasn’t a vague expression of sympathy; it was a direct condemnation of Norwegian policy. Specifically, the group pointed to continued arms exports to Israel as a key factor contributing to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Direct Accusation: The phrase “enabling genocide” was repeatedly used during their performance, a purposeful and provocative choice of words.

Arms Exports Focus: Kneecap specifically called out Norway’s continued sale of components used in weapons systems deployed in Gaza.

Social Media Amplification: video clips of the protest rapidly circulated on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, fueling online debate. Hashtags like #FreePalestine, #Øyafestivalen, and #kneecap trended throughout the day.

The immediate reaction was polarized. Supporters lauded Kneecap for using their platform to raise awareness about a critical issue, while critics accused them of anti-Semitism and irresponsible rhetoric. Norwegian media outlets provided extensive coverage, analyzing the political implications of the protest and the band’s motivations.

Norway’s Arms Exports to Israel: A Deeper look

The core of Kneecap’s criticism centers on Norway’s arms trade with Israel. While norway doesn’t sell complete weapons systems, it does export components – particularly related to electronics and targeting systems – that are integrated into Israeli military equipment.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Export Regulations: Norwegian arms exports are governed by strict regulations designed to prevent contributing to human rights abuses or conflicts. However, these regulations have been repeatedly challenged by human rights organizations who argue they are insufficiently enforced.
2. Recent Export Data: Data released in early 2025 showed a critically important increase in the export of specific components to Israel, despite growing international concerns about the situation in Gaza.
3. Government Response: The Norwegian government maintains that all exports are compliant with existing regulations and are subject to thorough vetting. They argue that halting all exports would be counterproductive, possibly damaging diplomatic relations and hindering efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution.
4. LSI Keywords: Arms trade, Israeli military, humanitarian crisis, export control, Norwegian foreign policy.

The Broader Context: Pro-Palestinian Activism in Norway

Kneecap’s protest isn’t an isolated incident. Norway has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause,but recent events have intensified activism and public debate.

Student Protests: University campuses across Norway have seen numerous pro-Palestinian protests and sit-ins, demanding that institutions divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Civil society campaigns: Several Norwegian NGOs are actively campaigning for a complete arms embargo on Israel and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Political Pressure: Left-wing political parties have consistently called for a more critical stance towards Israel and greater support for Palestinian rights.

Cultural Boycott Movement (BDS): The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement has gained traction in Norway, with calls for boycotts of Israeli products and cultural events.

Legal Ramifications and Freedom of Speech Considerations

The use of the term “genocide” is legally sensitive.While the accusation is a powerful rhetorical device, it carries significant weight under international law.

Defining Genocide: The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

Legal Threshold: Proving genocide requires a high legal threshold, and the term is often subject to political interpretation.

Freedom of Expression: Norway has strong protections for freedom of speech, but these rights are not absolute and can be limited in cases of incitement to violence or hate speech.

Potential Inquiry: while unlikely, the government could theoretically launch an investigation into Kneecap’s statement to determine if it constitutes a criminal offense.However,such a move would likely be met with widespread criticism from free speech advocates.

Øyafestivalen’s Response and the Festival’s Political Stance

Øyafestivalen, known for it’s progressive values and commitment to social justice, has largely supported Kneecap’s right to express their views.

Statement of Support: Festival organizers released a statement acknowledging the controversy but reaffirming their commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.

* Previous Activism: Øyafestivalen has a history of hosting artists and activists who advocate