Iceland decides on an additional 100 million contribution
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bjarni Benediktsson, announced today an additional contribution of ISK 100 million to UNRWA and ICC. AFP/Mahmud Hams
The Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the additional contributions at a meeting of the Government today, but has decided to make an additional contribution of ISK 100 million to the to the UNRWA and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating and the need for assistance and urgent needs are great. We Icelanders continue to contribute to this situation. UNRWA is the United Nations main response to the plight of civilians and the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction in Palestine when it comes to investigating international crimes, including war crimes,” stated Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson.
Bjarni Benediktsson the Minister of Foreign Affairs. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
Additional contributions the 3rd time since the conflict began
The announcement also states that the total contribution of Iceland, after the war started on October 7 amounts to ISK 240 million, in addition to contributions to the International Criminal Court. This is the third time since the conflict began that the Icelandic government has made an additional contribution to UNRWA, and this year Iceland is among the highest contributing countries by headcount.
UNRWA plays a key role in bringing and distributing basic needs such as food and water into Gaza. Some 830 thousand people, or half of all people on the road in the area, have taken refuge in UNRWA shelters, which used to house schooling, health care and other services on its behalf.
UNRWA is one of the humanitarian agencies that Iceland works with, but its work and allocation of funds are actively monitored internally and externally, as are other UN agencies, including by donor countries.
Iceland calls for immediate ceasefire
In a parliamentary resolution, which was adopted by all parties in the parliament on November 9, the resolution called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, for unhindered access to basic needs and for a clear demand for respect for international law.
The Hamar terrorist attacks, which killed over 1200 civilians, were condemned and demands were made for the immediate release of more than 240 hostages held by Hamar, of whom 30 are children.
The same call has been repeated in the Icelandic government's statements in public and at the UN.
