Statement at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East and on the Palestinian Question 16.10.2026

Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,

Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations

United Nations Security Council

10243rd Meeting (resumed), 16 October 2026

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Madam President,

On 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the deadliest terrorist attack on its soil in its modern history. This vicious attack by Hamas and other terrorist groups three years ago was repeatedly condemned by Iceland.

Three years later, Israeli society is still dealing with the consequences of this fateful, horrible event.

Palestinians have also suffered its consequences. The war against Hamas in Gaza, and the military incursions in the West Bank, left tens of thousands dead and more than 2 million Palestinians affected and in need of assistance.

Madam President, I will make four points:

First, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical and demands our immediate attention.

Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, with many essential items still unable to reach those who urgently need them. Israel continues to delay, obstruct, and prevent the work of UN agencies, including UNRWA, as well as key international non-governmental organizations operating in Gaza. We heard this clearly in Mr. Alakbarov’s statement yesterday.

Iceland is a long-standing supporter of UNRWA. We believe its role is indispensable. At a time of such profound humanitarian needs, sustaining this work is not optional, it is an urgent responsibility.

Second, the unprecedented settlement expansion and escalation of settler violence across the West Bank must stop.

Settler violence and crimes persist with impunity. They are fuelled and enabled by inflammatory rhetoric and permissive government policy, with government ministers making electoral promises to redouble government support and expansion of illegal settlements. This trajectory is not simply changing the reality on the ground. It is steadily eroding the territorial and political basis for a viable Palestinian state.

Third, for the two-state solution to have a meaningful chance of succeeding, sustained support for the Palestinian Authority is vital. Iceland’s support is steadfast and we recognized the State of Palestine in 2011.

It is imperative to ensure Palestinian ownership and agency over the state building agenda. The future State of Palestine must be built on the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and we consider this a fundamental principle. Therefore, we are deeply disappointed with the postponing of the upcoming Palestinian elections until 2027 – and expect the PA to reconsider its decision.

We have repeatedly stated that Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine and must – along with other terrorist factions in Gaza – be decommissioned. However, while their defiance must not be tolerated, it must also not be permitted to prevent the implementation of the peace plan that is so badly needed.

Last but not least, Madam President, more political will is need.

Almost one year has passed since this Council adopted Resolution 2803, endorsing the twenty-point Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza and the role of the Board of Peace in its implementation. Some of the Plan’s key objectives have been achieved. All the hostages were released. A ceasefire has been in effect, although an imperfect one.

But the full promise of resolution 2803 remains unrealized. We call for more progress towards the peace and relief it pledged for Palestinians in Gaza, and full implementation of the Peace Plan.

It has also been just over a year since the New York Declaration was adopted. Although we seem very far from its objective of a future two-state solution, it nevertheless, remains the only viable path to sustainable peace and security for both peoples.

Our goal is and must be two peoples living side by side in peace, prosperity and mutual recognition. For this, the cycle of violence must end. For Palestinians, Israelis, and beyond. Violence begets violence and we have seen alarming surges in antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiments across the World. We must join hands in breaking this vicious cycle.

Finally, Madam President, on the latest regional escalation;

The recent, deadly attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi forces against civilian infrastructure in Saudi-Arabia and commercial shipping passing through the Red Sea, are of great concern. These are in grave violation of international law and must cease immediately.

I thank you.