Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of
Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA Pledging Conference)
1st Plenary Meeting, 12 July 2024.

Mr. President,

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is nothing short of horrifying. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed – including close to two hundred UNRWA staff. More than two million civilians are in desperate need of life-saving aid. Nine out of ten have been internally displaced. Access for humanitarian aid, water, and power is severely hindered. Civilian infrastructure is in ruins.

The catastrophic toll this conflict has taken on children and youth is especially heartbreaking to witness. As has been highlighted so many times, there are no safe spaces in Gaza – all of Gaza’s children have been subjected to the traumatic horrors of war with life lasting consequences.

All parties to the conflict need to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and breaches thereof must be investigated. It is likewise critical that Israel abide by the orders of the International Court of Justice.

Iceland has long called for an immediate ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages. We have welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735 and urged both parties to fully implement it without delay. The fighting and suffering must end now.

Mr. President

UNRWA’s role responding to the current humanitarian crisis is unique. Not only are UNRWA’s efforts in providing life-saving aid to the people of Gaza essential, but the Agency also provides the backbone for all other humanitarian response in the area.
I take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to UNRWA’s leadership and staff for their dedicated work during these extremely difficult – and life-threatening - times.

Iceland highly appreciated the swift actions by the Agency and the Secretary General to serious allegations of UNRWA staff being involved in the heinous terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th last year. We have the fullest confidence in the ongoing OIOS process and welcome UNRWA´s immediate response to the review led by Madame Colonna.

Mr. President,

Iceland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA’s mandate. Our core support consists of unearmarked, predictable funding through a multi-year framework agreement.

At the High-level meeting in Jordan last month, the Government of Iceland announced an additional 100 million ISK contribution to UNRWA. This brings this year’s overall contributions to humanitarian assistance to Palestinians to 290 million ISK, or 2.1 million US dollars.

Reflecting our commitment to its work, Iceland joined [118] States in signing the Shared Commitments on UNRWA, which were published earlier today. We have likewise joined the Call to Action for Palestinian Children in the West Bank and Gaza.

Mr. President,

For seventy-five years, UNRWA has fulfilled its mandate that we, the General Assembly, provided it with. In the absence of a lasting political solution, UNRWA’s role remains of critical importance. It must be allowed and enabled to continue to deliver its role. It is simply a matter of life and death.

I thank you.