03.04.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on MEPP

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

I would like to thank High Commissioner Türk and Dr. Al-Khatib for the alarming briefings. And let me convey my sincere condolences to all PRCS staff for those colleagues, who were tragically killed, as they dispatched to aid wounded civilians in Rafah.

We support an independent investigation of the circumstances of the killings and expect those responsible to be held accountable.

Mr. President,

Since hostilities resumed on 18 March, Council members have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the high numbers of civilian casualties in Gaza. According to UNICEF, as many as 100 children were killed or maimed every day of last week.

Within less than a week, this is the third time the Council debates the protection of humanitarian personnel. While we underline that the protection of humanitarians is not up for debate, the importance of the Security Council addressing this issue cannot be understated. Since October 2023, at least 408 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, at least 280 of them UN staff members. The severity of the situation warrants our utmost attention.

International humanitarian law also ensures special protection for healthcare workers and protects journalists, as civilians, from deliberate and direct attack. Yet, in Gaza, we have seen the highest number of journalists killed in one year compared to any other conflict recorded, and we receive daily alarming reports about attacks on ambulances, hospitals, as well as health workers. As many as 180 reportedly remain in Israeli detention.

We condemn any attack on humanitarian workers, medical personnel and journalists. They must be protected in accordance with the parties’ obligations under international law, including when detained.

The safety and well-being of the remaining hostages illegally held since Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terror attack on 7 October 2023, remain of grave concern to us. We call for their immediate and unconditional release and for Hamas to allow humanitarian access to them.

The humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are not empty words. They are key principles to be supported and respected at all times.

Denmark reiterates that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law, including international humanitarian law. As part of this, the inviolability and neutrality of UN premises must be protected, including by refraining from their use for military purposes.

Mr. President,

In addition to those killed by hostilities in Gaza, we are receiving alarming reports of wounded and sick dying from conditions that would have been treatable, if it wasn’t for the complete humanitarian blockade cutting off two million people from basic assistance. Water, electricity and medical supplies are lacking, and we are deeply concerned by reports from WFP that the last food parcels are now being distributed.

We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. Humanitarian assistance must never be used as a political tool.

Let me also reiterate that Hamas can play no role in the future of Gaza. We have recently witnessed the brutal crackdown on freedom of expression and assembly by Hamas. This is of course completely unacceptable. 

Mr. President,

In the West Bank, 40.000 Palestinians remain displaced as a result of Israel’s military operations. We continue to see the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements as well as an alarming escalation in settler violence.

We once again remind Israel of its obligation to protect Palestinians against settler violence and to hold the perpetrators accountable, putting an end to the environment of near impunity. And, we call on Israel to immediately halt all settlement expansion, which is a clear violation of international law.

In this regard, we strongly oppose a recent decision by Israel's security cabinet to approve the separation and independence of 13 new settlements, as well as its decision to allocate funds for the construction of a separate road for Palestinians that will close off a vast area in the heart of the West Bank to Palestinian residents.

Mr. President, in closing,

We need a return to the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. This includes the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, a permanent end to hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access. In parallel, we must not lose focus of the worrying situation in the West Bank. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and undermine our common goal of a two-state solution, and thus the prospects of sustainable peace.

Thank you.