Statement by H.E. Unnur Orradóttir-Ramette
Ambassador, Director of UN Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
United Nations Security Council  

10024th Meeting, 23 October 2025 
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 

Mr. President, 

Iceland welcomes the much-needed ceasefire for the people of Gaza. We reiterate the need for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to ensure the full resumption of unhindered distribution of aid to the people in need, in line with international humanitarian law. 

Iceland has consistently condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks on Israel two years ago. We welcome that – at long last - all living hostages have now been freed and returned to their families. 

Hamas needs to shoulder responsibility. It must relinquish control of Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. There is no justification for terror and Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine. 

There is no justification, either, for the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians. Accountability is vital – on both sides – and communities must be allowed to heal and recover.  

The responsibility of the occupying power, Israel, under international law, including international humanitarian law, was clearly and strongly reconfirmed and explained by the International Court of Justice yesterday. Iceland submitted a written statement to these proceedings. 

Iceland is a longstanding contributor to UNRWA and has repeatedly voiced its concerns over Israeli legislation against the Agency, including actions against UN premises in East Jerusalem. As is very clearly stated in yesterday’s Advisory Opinion of the ICJ, Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to ensure the wellbeing of civilians under its occupation.  

While the world’s focus is on Gaza, the relentless occupation in the West Bank must not be overlooked. There, Palestinians are experiencing the worst restrictions and the heaviest militarized operations for decades.  

Mr. President, 

Iceland recognized Israel in 1948 and Palestine in 2011. Both peoples have an equal inalienable right to self-determination. Lasting peace depends on it being fully realised. 

A Two-State Solution - where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and mutual recognition - remains the only viable path to peace. 

We were inspired by the successful Leaders meeting in September in New York, and the peace plan brokered by United States and others is an important step towards this. The agreement must now be implemented and Gaza rebuilt. We must make sure that extremists and spoilers on both sides are not allowed to stand in the way and derail these efforts. 

The future State of Palestine must be built on the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We expect the Palestinian Authority to accelerate political and institutional reform, and Iceland stands ready to support this journey, along with the international community.  

Mr. President, 

This Council must live up to its responsibilities under the UN Charter in its pursuit and maintenance of international peace and security. 

Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve a better, more secure future – based on a just, lasting and sustainable peace.  

I thank you.