Statement: Ending the War and Realizing a Sovereign Palestinian State for Regional Peace and Security
Statement by H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
High-level Ministerial Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
“Turning Commitments into Irreversible Action: Ending the War and Realizing a Sovereign Palestinian State for Regional Peace and Security”
during the High-level week of the 80th Session of the General Assembly
24 September, 2025
It is a privilege to join you here today.
From the outset, the Alliance has had clear and principled objectives, grounded in our shared values and the firm belief that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. These principles were established thirty years ago, at a time when sustainable peace seemed within reach. Sadly, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Our shared commitment for collective action to ending the war in Gaza, upholding international law, and respecting the sanctity of life is vital. So too is our call for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Without unified international pressure, progress is unlikely.
I remain proud that Iceland recognized the State of Palestine in 2011 through an unopposed parliamentary resolution. This was a clear statement in support of Palestinian self-determination and equal status for Israel and Palestine.
We have seen renewed momentum here in New York, first in July, and again earlier this week at the Leaders’ Meeting on the Two-State Solution.
Recognition by countries such as the UK, France, Canada, Australia, Luxembourg and others makes a difference. The New York Declaration is an immense achievement and both France and Saudi Arabia should be applauded for their leadership role in this process. Iceland is honored to support this effort and was an additional co-sponsor on the resolution endorsing the Declaration in the General Assembly.
We are aware of the criticism surrounding these efforts. It is regrettable that Israel has not joined the collective push for the only sustainable solution: two peoples, living side by side, each in a state of their own, in peace.
Still, we must continue. This is not only a political imperative, it is a human one. A future where life is valued, peace is pursued, and coexistence is possible is the only acceptable outcome. We must not fail in this endeavour. We cannot.
Thank you.