Statement: Preparatory meeting on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

Statement by Mr. David Logi Sigurdsson,
Director, UN and Middle Eastern Affairs,
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
United Nations General Assembly
Preparatory Meeting, High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
23 May, 2025

Co-Chairs,

Iceland recognized the State of Palestine in 2011 through a resolution passed unopposed by our Parliament. We did this to provide political support for Palestinian self-determination and to send a clear message and to support equal status for the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.

We were told at the time that it was a symbolic gesture. Today, we hear some say they only want to take this step when it may make a difference. We would simply argue that it was high time it was done.

The status quo is unsustainable. The horrific war in Gaza and continued settlement policies of the current Israeli authorities, resolutely determined to be illegal by the International Court of
Justice, require a paradigm shift and political recognition is one of the requirements.

Iceland has conducted its bilateral relations with the Palestinian Authority on the basis of our 2011 recognition. In light of the current situation, we are currently considering ways to further strengthen our ability to engage constructively with the PA on bilateral basis.

With renewed focus and intensity in recent months we have partaken in efforts in multilateral fora to ensure that the pursuit of peace in the Middle East remains a top priority.

Iceland supported and voted for the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in May 2024 that provided Palestine more rights as an Observer State, urging Members of the UN Security Council to favourably consider its full membership.

In February of this year, we submitted a written statement to the ICJ on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This is the very first time Iceland has submitted such a statement in its national capacity at the ICJ.

We build all our work on the principle of respect and adherence to international law and UN resolutions.

We have been consistent financial supporters of UNRWA. Our financial support for the Palestinian Authority has primarily been through instruments such as the World Bank´s Trust fund for Gaza and the West Bank. However, we are considering ways in which to contribute more directly, possibly in partnership with others, as it would also signal greater political support for the PA and is in line with the advisory before this conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.

Again, the emphasis would be on offering political support to a reformed Palestinian Authority and to ensure Palestinian ownership and agency over the state building agenda.
Our goal is and must be two peoples living side by side in peace and prosperity. For this, the cycle of violence must end. For Palestinians, Israelis, and beyond. Violence begets violence and we see an alarming rise of antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiments across the World.

We call for a full and immediate ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release of all hostages and a renewed focus on efforts to ensure a sustainable peace through the two-state solution.

Iceland is small country. We will never be the biggest financial supporter for the State of Palestine. But we have a conscience, and a voice, and we will continue to use them.

I thank you.