29 April 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
The Middle East continues to face a series of complex and interconnected challenges. It is a region marked by striking dualities – of perseverance and instability, but also of progress too often tempered by regression.
In recent months we have welcomed a new President and government in Lebanon and underlined the need for strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces to help secure a permanent ceasefire and promote the state’s authority in the country.
We have celebrated the collapse of the brutal Assad regime in Syria. While Syria still faces many challenges, the appointment of a transitional government is commendable. Denmark continues to support the Syrian people and calls for an inclusive and Syrian-led political transition process in line with the principles of resolution 2254.
And we have seen a significant weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah throughout the region.
These developments offer hope for a more stable and peaceful Middle East.
In contrast, we are also observing a series of deeply concerning developments.
In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is ever- deteriorating and the ceasefire has collapsed. No humanitarian aid has been allowed into Gaza for almost two months due to the complete humanitarian blockade imposed by Israel cutting two million people from basic assistance. Water, electricity and medical supplies are lacking. We are further alarmed about the recent reports that WFP has depleted all its food stocks in Gaza. Families in Gaza are reporting utter exhaustion from moving numerous times due to Israeli-issued evacuation orders.
Mr. President,
Israel has experienced extreme trauma following Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th , and has the right to defend itself. We will continue to condemn the brutal terrorist attack and the ruthless hostage taking by Hamas.
We will also continue to remind Israel that is must defend itself within the parameters of international law, including international humanitarian law. We condemn any attacks against humanitarian workers, medical staff and health care facilities. They must be protected in accordance with the parties’ obligations under international law.
We watch the developments in the West Bank with deep concern and urge Israel immediately to halt all settlement expansion on Palestinian land, address the settler violence and stop the major displacement of civilians.
These actions will not lead to more security and stability. They will only fuel further flames of resentment and violence as they undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, which remains the only viable road to a lasting and just peace.
Mr. President,
The people of the Middle East long for peace. They deserve to enjoy the fruits of stability. They deserve to co-exist peacefully with their neighbours. And they deserve directions from the Security Council on how this can be achieved.
We view the following actions as some of the very first steps on a long road to lasting peace.
First, violence must cease in Gaza. We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and an end to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid going into Gaza. We further call on Israel to ensure that any arrangement for the delivery of humanitarian aid happens in full respect of the humanitarian principles.
Second, in Lebanon and Syria, we have to safeguard the operational space of UNIFIL and UNDOF to allow them to fulfil their mandates. While we acknowledge Israel’s legitimate security concerns, we remain concerned by the recent Israeli attacks in Syria with reported civilian causalities. Israel must withdraw from the Areas of Limitation and Separation and equally, Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon and dismantle any physical obstacles to UNIFIL carrying out its mandate.
Third, we need to work together to support reconstruction, recovery and reform throughout the region. Denmark supports the Arab plan for reconstruction of Gaza as a good basis and commend the initiative of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the upcoming conference on the implementation of a two-state solution.
Mr. President, in closing,
Denmark maintains its firm commitment to permanent peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution. Regional leadership, coupled with and supported by sustained international engagement, including through this Council, can make progress. Denmark will continue to engage with all parties towards achieving this aim.
I thank you.