Statement: Preserving the Two-State Solution

Statement by H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, 
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
Ministerial Meeting - Preserving the Two-State Solution
Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
24 September 2026

We gather here today to mark that one year has passed since the launch of the New York Declaration and that two years have passed since the launch of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution.

As the full promise of resolution 2803 remains unrealized, we call for more progress towards the peace and relief it pledged for Palestinians in Gaza. Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine and militant factions in Gaza must be decommissioned. Their defiance must neither be tolerated nor prevent the implementation of the peace plan.

Iceland recognized the State of Palestine in 2011 and is a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution. The two-state solution is the only viable way to bring about peace, security and stability in the Middle East, which is so desperately needed for the people in the region.

We are, however, witnessing developments that are not simply changing the reality on the ground; they are steadily eroding the territorial and political basis for a viable Palestinian state – they must stop. 
Reconstruction is an essential part of the path towards a viable Palestinian state and therefore an integral to advancing a lasting two-state solution.

I take this opportunity to announce that Iceland will contribute ISK 100 million to the UN Horizon Fund for the reconstruction of Gaza.

In the New York Declaration, we agreed to take to take collective action, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-State solution, and aimed at building a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and all peoples of the region.

That collective action must continue.

Thank you.