28 May 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
And, let me also thank Special Coordinator Kaag and Dr. Sidhwa for their important and thought-provoking briefings this morning.
Mr. President,
This Council has continuously discussed the immediate devastating effects of a number of concerning recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In Gaza, we have discussed the disastrous humanitarian situation. More than 53.000 dead, over 100.000 injured, and the entire population on the brink of a man-made famine. As part of an overwhelming majority of voices in this Council, Denmark reiterates once again that humanitarian aid must flow freely and at scale into Gaza in line with international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles.
We have opposed an expanded Israeli military offensive. And, we have called for an immediate end to the war along with the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
In the West Bank, we have called for an end to the settler violence and illegal settlements, which have recently accelerated at unprecedented speed. Yet, we continue to witness forced displacement, demolitions and movement restrictions imposed on Palestinians.
Mr. President,
As we condemn the immediate effects of these developments, this Council has a responsibility to address their long-term impact on international peace and security.
And, let me make three points in this regard:
First,
The people of Gaza are starving. Starvation – especially for children – can cause irreversible harm that could impact the rest of their lives. The IPC warns that 71,000 children under five and 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are threatened by acute malnutrition.
We stress the need for Israel to take immediate action to protect the human right to life. All parties to the conflict are bound to comply with international humanitarian law and the obligation to protect civilians, including Palestinian children from harm. We also recall that the right to food is a fundamental human right.
Second,
The war in Gaza has caused major destruction of civilian infrastructure, with devastating effects on children’s education. More than 95 percent of all schools in Gaza have sustained damage. 660,000 children are pushed out of school and have lost as much as 19 months of education.
In occupied East Jerusalem, another 800 students were forced out of their classrooms earlier this month, after Israeli forces forced the closure of six UNRWA schools.
Losing access to education risks leading to long-term consequences for children’s wellbeing and learning. Education is critical for coping with the trauma of war – and we just heard this morning Dr. Sidhwa assessing that half of Gaza’s children are suicidal – and education is critical for building relevant skills needed to rebuild their country once the conflict is over.
We reiterate that civilian infrastructure, including schools, must be protected, including by refraining from their use for military purposes. We call for Palestinian children’s right to safe education to be protected.
Third,
In the West Bank, Israel is taking control of record amounts of Palestinian land, displacing Palestinians into isolated enclaves; making it virtually impossible to form a contiguous and viable future Palestinian state. We recall that the EU has adopted sanctions against violent extremist settlers and encourage other Council members to do the same.
Recently, we have also taken note of the Israeli government’s disturbing decision to initiate land registration in area C and register it to private Israelis.
Denmark reiterates that any attempt by Israel to annex Palestinian land would be unacceptable and violate international law.
Mr. President,
In Israel, Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack has caused extreme and lasting trauma, and has pushed Israelis and Palestinians further apart. We continue to condemn the brutal terrorist attack and the ruthless hostage taking by Hamas and we reiterate our demand that all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released.
Taken together, these developments do nothing to serve the long-term interest of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis. Denmark remains firmly committed to Israel’s security. However, this cannot come at the cost of the civilian Palestinian people and their right to live in peace and dignity.
I therefore reiterate Denmark’s urgent calls to Israel to halt the ongoing and intensified military offensive and immediately allow for the full resumption of humanitarian aid. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations must be allowed to work independently and impartially to save innocent lives, now.
We can neither ignore the devastating immediate effects of the current developments – nor their long-term impact on future generations of Palestinians and the viability of the two-state solution.
Denmark maintains that the two-state solution is the only viable path to achieve permanent peace and stability in the Middle East. We look forward to the upcoming conference on the implementation of a two-state solution.
I thank you.