Iceland UNSC - The Situation in the Middle East/Palestine
Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
United Nations Security Council
10146th Meeting, 28 April 2026
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
Mr. President,
UN Security Council Resolution 2803 marked a critical juncture on the path to peace, by endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the conflict in Gaza, the establishment of the Board of Peace, and a temporary International Stabilization Force.
Critical steps have since been achieved. All hostages were released and returned to their families. A ceasefire was announced, although an imperfect one. Humanitarian assistance has resumed, and there have been some improvements in the rate of delivery.
However, five months on, the full promise of resolution 2803 remains unrealized and more progress is needed towards the peace and relief it pledged for Palestinians in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation continues to be very serious, with access to clean water now critically low. Humanitarian access remains restricted for many essential items. And, Israel continues to delay, obstruct and prevent the work of UN agencies and key international non-governmental organizations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, with Palestinians enduring some of the most severe restrictions and military operations in decades. Settler violence and crimes persist with impunity and are fuelled and enabled by inflammatory rhetoric and permissive government policy. Compounding these challenges, Israel continues to withhold clearance revenues from the Palestinian Authority, thereby restricting its ability to provide essential government services.
Looking ahead, to secure a stable and peaceful future for the people of the region, clear conditions need to be established. Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine and the military equipment of militant factions in Gaza must be fully decommissioned. NCAG has a vital role to play and needs to exert authority in Gaza.
And while calls for a Two-State Solution may almost seem futile in the current dire circumstances, it remains the only viable path to sustainable peace and security.
Mr. President,
Once again, Lebanese civilians have become victims of vicious warfare between Israel and Hezbollah. We condemn attacks on all civilians, civilian infrastructure and United Nations peacekeepers and staff. The obligation of all parties to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law should be respected.
We reaffirm the importance of respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and call for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). It is essential to build on the progress achieved under the current - albeit fragile - ceasefire, in order to advance toward lasting peace and stability in both Lebanon and Israel.
Mr. President,
We welcome the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and continue to call for peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Iran´s obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable and must stop. Its hindered passage presents not only a direct threat to the region but world energy markets and global food security. International law, including law of the sea and maritime law, must be respected.
Iceland was one of the 136 Member States, a record number, that co-sponsored resolution 2817 seven weeks ago. We lament the Council’s inability to take further decisive action on the matter.
Mr. President,
The people of the Middle East deserve nothing short of peace and a prosperous future. Members of the Security Council must live up to their fundamental responsibility to maintain peace and security in this region, as elsewhere.
I thank you.