Demonstrators gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. A few hours before the protest, the Icelandic Parliament unanimously passed a resolution calling for the same thing, condemning violence against civilians and calling for adherence to international laws.
Protestors call for “immediate ceasefire”
A number of people gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy, near the Laugardalur neighbourhood in Reykjavík, to partake in a protest under the banner “Immediate Ceasefire” yesterday. The protest began at 5 PM, with speakers including Dr. Sveinn Rúnar Hauksson, physician and Chair of the Iceland-Palestine Association, and activist Lisa Mackey, Vísir reports.
A few hours before the protests, Parliament approved a resolution from the Foreign Affairs Committee calling for a ceasefire, with all votes in favour.
“The Parliament resolves that an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons must be established in the Gaza region to ensure the safety of civilians, both Palestinian and Israeli. The Parliament condemns all acts of violence directed against civilians in Palestine and Israel. The Parliament demands that international laws be fully adhered to in the interest of humanity, the safety of civilians, and the protection of civil infrastructure,” the Parliamentary resolution reads, which, as noted by Mbl.is, was passed unanimously with 49 votes, following two discussions at yesterday’s parliamentary session.
Important to send a clear message
The resolution states that the Parliament condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas on civilians in Israel that began on October 7. Similarly, the Parliament condemns all actions by Israeli authorities in the aftermath that violate international humanitarian laws, including the immense suffering, casualties, civilian deaths, and destruction of civil infrastructure. It is imperative that all violations of international laws by the warring parties be thoroughly investigated.
“The Parliament calls for humane treatment and immediate resolution of hostages, access for aid and humanitarian organisations, and that emergency shelter and medical assistance be provided to the public without delay,” it states. Additionally, the government was tasked with contributing additional aid for humanitarian assistance and investigating violations of international laws to follow up on the emphases outlined in the resolution.
As noted by Mbl.is, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, in her comments on the vote, thanked the Foreign Affairs Committee for its excellent work in highlighting clear viewpoints reflected in the proposal and for achieving this consensus. She stated it was extremely important for Iceland to send such clear messages to the international community, a clear will of the Parliament for an immediate ceasefire, and for the respect of international laws in the interest of humanity. “I want to take this opportunity to say that I am very proud to belong to the Parliament of Iceland at such times,” Katrín Jakobsdóttir stated.
