01 October 2025
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Statement: Use of the veto
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
United Nations General Assembly, 80th Session,
15th Plenary Meeting, Use of the veto – Item 64, Debate on the Item
1 October, 2025
Madam President,
Iceland deeply regrets the impasse in the Security Council, that we have witnessed for most of almost two years now, and the Council’s failure in adequately addressing the situation in Gaza.
Where we have needed urgent action, an immediate ceasefire, unconditional humanitarian aid and dignified release of all hostages, we have seen the veto used repeatedly. No resolution on this issue has been adopted for over fourteen months. The draft vetoed on September 18th was the second draft proposed by the E10 to be vetoed this year. It is highly regrettable that the Security Council failed once again to live up to its mission.
Madam President,
We welcome the announcement by US President Trump on Monday this week, on a plan for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
We support any initiative that will bring about the much-needed ceasefire for the people of Gaza, the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian access and resumption of the unhindered distribution of aid to the people in need in Gaza, in line with international humanitarian law, and the release of the hostages.
Iceland has repeatedly condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October two years ago and demanded the release of all hostages. Simply put, there is no excuse for terror and Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine.
But there is no excuse, either, for the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians.
To quote my Foreign Minister, “Starvation, bombardment, forced displacement: these acts are cruel, inhumane and illegal.”
Madam President,
Iceland recognized Israel in 1948 and Palestine in 2011. Our position remains clear: both peoples have equal rights to self-determination. Lasting peace depends on it.
We have seen renewed momentum here in New York, first in July, and again last week at the Leaders’ Meeting on the Two-State Solution. The only viable path to peace is right there, before us – where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and mutual recognition.
We are aware of the criticism surrounding these efforts. Extremists and spoilers on both sides have for too long stood in the way of peace.
It is regrettable that the current Government of Israel continues to reject the idea of two peoples, living side by side, each in a state of their own, in peace. When Israeli officials call for annexation or the expulsion of Palestinians, they are not defending Israel’s security – they are calling for violations of international law – and in the long-term, the weakening of Israel’s security.
The future State of Palestine must be built on the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Palestinian Authority must accelerate political and institutional reform, with support from the international community, and Iceland stands ready to support this journey. Israel must end its stranglehold on PA finances and the Palestinian economy, by releasing withheld clearance revenues and facilitate banking relationships with Palestinian banks.
Madam President,
We need to ensure an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access and distribution of aid to civilians in Gaza and the unconditional and dignified release of all hostages. These are all needed and they are all needed now.
But there will not be any future – either for Palestinians or Israelis – without a just, lasting and sustainable peace.
Just, lasting and sustainable peace means an end to Israel’s continued, illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Just, lasting and sustainable peace means an end to Hamas and other groups waging their terror on innocent Israelis.
Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve a future where life is valued, peace is pursued, and coexistence is possible. It is the only acceptable outcome. We must not fail in our endeavour to reach it. We must not give up on pursuing it.
I thank you.