HRC58 - Iceland statement - Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice

Mr. President,

A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has brought cautious hope to us all. It has provided an opportunity to bring lifesaving humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and, in the longer term, must provide basis for them to rebuild their lives after a most devastating war.

The High Commissioner’s report outlines a long-standing lack of accountability and environment of impunity in Israel. This has continued to enable violations of international law, with an unprecedented impact on the lives and rights of Palestinians. This is unacceptable.

Mr. President,

We welcome the recent releases of hostages that have been held in Gaza, and we wish them and their families well in rebuilding their lives after their unimaginable ordeal. We condemn the way in which Hamas has treated the bodily remains of hostages. All hostages and prisoners, whether Israeli or Palestinian, must be treated with dignity and respect – both the living and the dead. They should be neither paraded nor degraded.  

Regrettably, we meet at a time when the ceasefire in Gaza seems very fragile. Let me unequivocally call on all parties to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld. War should not be an option, let alone an objective. The ceasefire must not fail.