Iceland says violations of international law must have consequences

Icelandic Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Martin Eyjólfsson said violations of international law must have consequences, mbl.is reported. He was speaking at the opening of a public meeting at the National Museum of Iceland, where Dr Younis Al-Khatib, president of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, addressed the humanitarian situation in Palestine.

“The situation in Palestine is horrific, and the suffering of civilians there is unacceptable,” Eyjólfsson said. “Even in war, laws apply. They are a lifeline for people caught up in conflict. Violations of them must have consequences.”

He said Iceland had condemned systematic Israeli violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. In line with a resolution passed by Iceland’s parliament on 9 November 2023, the government had repeatedly called for unconditional respect for international law, an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to people in need.

Despite this, restrictions remained on humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, Eyjólfsson said. Aid workers and hospitals were still at risk from repeated airstrikes, while civilians had been treated with complete disregard.

He also said Iceland condemned Israeli decisions concerning illegal settlements in the West Bank and had strongly supported humanitarian work in the region.

Eyjólfsson said international humanitarian law protected civilians, hospitals and healthcare workers, and was intended to ensure that humanitarian assistance reached those who needed it. These were not vague ideals, he said, but binding obligations under international law.

He added that the principles of humanitarian work, including humanity, impartiality and independence, enabled aid workers to reach people in greatest need and provide assistance without discrimination.