Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel

Statement delivered by Iceland
15 June 2026

President,

The Commission’s latest report documents serious and flagrant violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law within its mandate.

Iceland condemns the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlement activities and the escalating violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including against Palestinian children. Respect for international law is not optional. Those responsible for these violations must be held accountable and impunity for these crimes must end.

The report also highlights brutal violence committed by armed Palestinian groups against civilians in Israel and Palestine, including war crimes and serious violations of international law. Iceland also condemns these crimes.

Attacks against civilians, hostage-taking, torture, sexual and gender-based violence and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, regardless of the perpetrator, can never be justified.

Iceland emphasizes Israel’s obligation at the occupying power to protect Palestinian civilians by putting an end to settler violence and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need without obstruction, including in Gaza, where the situation remains unacceptable. Iceland also calls on Israel to guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers and to lift restrictions on their access.

Iceland reiterates its support for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

A credible pathway for peace can only be attained through a fully respected ceasefire and an end to the occupation.

I thank you.