HRC60 - Iceland statement - Urgent debate on military aggression by Israel against Qatar
Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 1: Urgent debate on the recent military aggression launched by Israel against the State of Qatar on 9 September 2025
Statement by Iceland
16 September 2025
Mr. President, Excellencies,
Iceland unequivocally condemns the Israeli airstrike in Doha on 9 September. This represents a clear violation of international law and of the sovereignty of Qatar.
Qatar has played an important role in facilitating mediation, working alongside Egypt and the United States in pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. To target representatives engaged in these sensitive negotiations is to undermine dialogue, destroy trust and push prospects for progress further out of reach. Such actions can have grave repercussions for future attempts to resolve conflicts through negotiation.
Rest assured, Iceland has condemned, in the strongest terms, the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
But, at this critical juncture, what is required is restraint and full respect for international law. We urge all parties to return to diplomacy and to work in good faith toward a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Equally urgent is the need to ensure safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Restrictions on humanitarian access are unacceptable. Iceland calls on Israel to uphold its humanitarian obligations, as required under international law.
The path forward must be one of dialogue, accountability and a genuine commitment to a just and lasting political solution.
I thank you