25 February 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me also thank Special Coordinator Kaag, Ms. Argamani and Mr. Levy for their substantive and useful briefings.
Colleagues,
For decades, the international community has discussed the Israeli-Palestinian question, determined to reach a lasting peace through a two-state solution. This remains as urgent as ever.
Mr. President,
The first month of the ceasefire has brought much needed relief to the Israeli people and the civilian population of Gaza.
We urge all parties to do their utmost to uphold this ceasefire and ensure its full implementation.
As we have heard here today, the suffering of the innocent people who were taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October has been immense. It is hard to fully comprehend the terror they have endured. I thank Ms. Argamani for sharing her shocking experience and her perspectives with us. It takes much courage and strength to do so.
Let me be clear: As stated many times before, we condemn the terrorist actions of Hamas and reiterate our call for all remaining hostages to be released immediately and without conditions. This must be done in a private, dignified and safe manner. We regret that this has not been the case so far. Our condolences go to the grieving families whose loved ones tragically, did not make it out alive. And our thoughts are with those who are still waiting to be reunited with loved ones including you, Ms. Argamani.
Mr. President,
The ceasefire is saving lives, and the humanitarian consequences of a resumption of hostilities are simply unconscionable. We must do all we can to avoid that and for the ceasefire to continue and move to phase 2.
We welcome the surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as the resumption of medical evacuations. There is now an urgent need for critical medical equipment to enter Gaza. More heavy machinery for the removal of rubble and unexploded ordnance is also needed. We thank the UN and the humanitarian community, including UNRWA, for their tireless work to make this possible.
Gaza now faces a daunting task of reconstruction. The international community must support these efforts. Denmark and the EU stand ready to do so within the proper framework.
We note in this regard the active role taken by Egypt and other countries of the region in developing a comprehensive, plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction. We hope that these and other efforts can lead to a better future for the civilian population of Gaza, who have long suffered from Hamas’ brutal leadership and the devastating consequences of war over the past 16 months.
Mr. President,
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, we are deeply concerned by the escalating violence and large-scale security operations. We recognise the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the need to combat terrorism. However, we reiterate that security operations should be carried out in accordance with international law, including international human rights law.
We are deeply alarmed by the continuing expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the drastic increase in settler violence, as well as extensive movement restrictions. We recall that the settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. The continuous settler violence must stop and perpetrators held accountable.
Mr. President,
Recent attempts to forcibly enter and close down UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, challenging Palestinian children’s right to education, are deeply concerning. UNRWA has a unique mandate to provide state-like services to millions of Palestinians. Services UNRWA delivers until they eventually can be handed over to the Palestinians. Hindering this mandate risks undermining the prospects of a two-state solution.
We further emphasize the importance of reforming and revitalising the Palestinian Authority to be able to effectively exercise their governance and security responsibilities in the West Bank.
Together with the EU, we will continue to support the Palestinian Authority along its path of reform. Meanwhile, we call on Israel to release the withheld clearance revenues.
In conclusion, Mr. President
The Middle East is at a crossroads. After immense suffering, death and destruction, we must deliver lasting peace to the peoples of Israel and Palestine. A peace with security and dignity, as mentioned by the Special Coordinator.
The formula for this is well known.
It is the realisation of two-states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
Denmark remains fully committed to this goal.
I thank you.