Iceland Joins International Court Case on Gaza Conflict

2026-03-12 - 11:36

Iceland has submitted a statement to the International Court of Justice as part of legal proceedings concerning Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip. As reported by Vísir, it marks the first time the country has participated in a case of this kind. What's the Story? Statement submitted by Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Iceland) to the International Court of Justice in a case brought by South Africa against Israel Iceland’s participation based on a November 2023 resolution by the Althingi on adherence to international law in the Gaza conflict First time Iceland has taken part in proceedings of this kind at the International Court of Justice Protesters call on the Icelandic government ot act on already-approved family reunifications of Icelandic visa holders in Gaza. Photo: Erik Pomrenke. Iceland Review. Legal Action Participation The submission relates to a case initiated by the government of South Africa against Israel. According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland’s involvement follows a parliamentary resolution adopted by the Alþingi in November 2023 outlining the country’s position on the conflict and calling for adherence to international law. South Africa has asked the court to determine whether Israel has breached obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination during the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Forced Displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip devastated by Israeli bombing, 2025. Photo: Jaber Jehad Badwan. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Þorgerður Katrína Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the country’s participation reflects its commitment to international legal processes. “No matter where conflicts rage in the world or who is at fault, the international community has a duty to bring violations of international law to an end before independent and impartial courts. With Iceland’s participation in the South Africa case before the International Court of Justice, we are using our voice in favor of international law and human rights. And of that we can be proud.” Further reporting on Iceland’s foreign policy and international relations can be found in Iceland Review’s news coverage.