Statement: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
United Nations Security Council, 10098th Meeting (resumed)
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
29 January 2026

Mr. President,

Iceland welcomed the long-awaited ceasefire announced few months ago, which offered desperately needed respite to the people in Gaza. UN Security Council Resolution 2803 marked a critical juncture on the path to peace, by endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, welcoming the establishment of the Board of Peace, and authorizing the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force. 

Crucial steps have been taken. Including the release of all living hostages and the return of those killed. Iceland further welcomes the announcement of the launch of Phase Two of the Plan, the implementation of which will be critical. However, as Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov highlighted yesterday morning, many obstacles remain; this is a moment of both profound opportunity and significant risk. 

Mr. President, 

Iceland has repeatedly condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7th over two years back. We have also unequivocally called for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza in favour of the Palestinian Authority. There is no justification for terror and Hamas has no role in the future of Gaza or Palestine.

For the people in Gaza, however, genuine relief from the immense suffering they have endured depends on receiving the aid, including shelter and medicine, they so urgently need. Homes and livelihoods must be restored, and forced displacement must end. 

Regrettably, international obligations remain unmet in Gaza, owing to Israel’s continued restrictions on both humanitarian access and operations of key humanitarian partners, including the United Nations. 

As a longstanding contributor to UNRWA, Iceland has repeatedly voiced its concerns over Israeli actions against the Agency. The recent demolitions of UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem constitute an unprecedented disregard by a Member State for United Nations privileges and immunities.  Iceland has also joined others in calling on Israel to ensure that established INGOs continue to be permitted to operate in Gaza and that their de-registrations be halted. INGOs provide an important part of the essential assistance so desperately needed in Gaza.    

Taken together, these measures run counter to last year’s Advisory Opinion of the ICJ, which very clearly states that Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to ensure the wellbeing of civilians under its occupation. This situation must change, and without delay.

Mr. President, 

The continued occupation in the West Bank must not fall off our radar. There, Palestinians are experiencing the worst restrictions and the heaviest militarized operations for decades, in addition to settler violence enabled by impunity.

Which brings me to my final point, Mr. President, 

The only viable, long-term, path towards peace remains the Two-State Solution - where Israelis and Palestinians live side-by-side in peace and mutual recognition.

The State of Palestine must build its future on the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.  

This Council must live up to its responsibilities under the UN Charter in its pursuit and maintenance of international peace and security. This includes ensuring the full implementation, in accordance with international law, of Resolution 2803.

Thank you.