Denmark’s Statement at meeting in UNSC on Gaza on 03.01.2025
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me also thank High Commissioner Türk, Dr. Peeperkorn, and Dr. Haj-Hassan for their sobering briefings.
Denmark is honoured to take its seat on the Security Council. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and one, which we are ready to fully shoulder.
Mr. President,
Earlier this week, millions around the world came together to ring in the New Year. For most, it is a time of reflection and celebration. A time to be with loved ones. This was not the case in Gaza, where unrelenting hostilities continued to obliterate what remained of the healthcare system. More health workers were killed, wounded and detained. As always, it is innocent civilians who suffer first, and most. Many are left without the lifesaving care they need. Many are denied access to adequate medical equipment and supplies, fuel, food, and specialized healthcare capacities. Put simply, they do not have what they need to survive. This morning’s briefing is, therefore, very timely.
Mr. President,
Today, I will focus on three points.
First, we are deeply concerned over the toll the hostilities have taken on Gaza’s health care infrastructure. The WHO has warned of a pattern of “systematic dismantling of the health care system in North Gaza”. This pattern must be reversed. Most recently, we received the news of a military operation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital on 27 December. This has put the last major health facility in North Gaza out of service and pushed the health system there to a breaking point.
Denmark condemns all attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals, that are in violation of international humanitarian law and multiple Security Council resolutions. This includes Resolution 2286 on the protection of healthcare in armed conflict, and Resolution 2730 on the need to respect and protect UN and humanitarian personnel.
Mr. President,
We reiterate that it falls on all parties to protect civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. The specific protection of hospitals is critical, and we call on all parties to the conflict to fully respect the special status of hospitals and other medical facilities. While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law, we remind Israel of its specific obligations, as an occupying power, to ensure and facilitate access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population. We call for urgently ensuring that hospitals in North Gaza can be supported to become functional again. Future recovery and reconstruction efforts must also prioritise the restoration of Gaza’s medical capacity.
Second, Mr. President,
Denmark is deeply concerned by the lack of protection of civilians leading to a staggering number of civilian casualties in Gaza. This includes humanitarian and healthcare workers. Attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza have killed and wounded hundreds among doctors, nurses, medics and other civilians. Such attacks deprive the most vulnerable of the care they need, at the very time when they need it most. In the midst of near constant evacuation orders, we also note that the transfer of critical patients associated with such attacks pose grave risks to their survival.
We condemn any attack on aid workers and medical personnel. They must be protected in accordance with the parties’ obligations under International Law, including when detained.
Finally, Mr. President,
The rebuilding and rehabilitation of Gaza’s health infrastructure is crucial. But it is only one element of what is needed to address the abysmal humanitarian situation in Gaza. The sheer level of destruction and devastation outlined by our briefers this morning underscore one clear point: The absolute and urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire as well as the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
This Council has a solemn responsibility to maintain international peace and security. We should speak out unequivocally in support of this to once and for all alleviate the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians alike and prepare the ground for regional peace and stability for the benefit of all.
We thank Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their tireless efforts to broker a ceasefire between the parties and hope that a result will materialize. A ceasefire is fundamental to releasing all hostages, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation, initiate reconstruction and work towards a two-state solution.
A two-state solution remains the only durable solution to this tragic conflict, which has lasted for way too long. To achieve it, we need a strengthened and reformed Palestinian Authority as the foundation of an independent Palestinian state that includes Gaza. A state that will live side by side with Israel in peaceful co-existence.
Mr President,
As we look into this new year, let us recommit to peace and security across the Middle East. Let us redouble our efforts to uphold international law, and end the staggering violence we are witnessing. Let us look ahead with forbearance and courage. This Council has a responsibility to act. Count on Denmark’s support.
Thank you.