13.05.2025 Statement by Denmark at the open briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza
Statement for open briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the protection of humanitarian workers
13 May 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank USG Fletcher and Director Jácome for their sombre and extremely concerning briefings.
Denmark has called for this urgent meeting together with France, Greece, Slovenia and the UK due to the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza.
More than two months have passed since the complete humanitarian blockade of Gaza by Israel.
Trucks loaded with lifesaving assistance – including food, water and medicine – are waiting at the border crossings.
Food is rotting at the border, while the people of Gaza are starving.
Medicine and hospital supplies are held up, while the sick and wounded suffer and die from preventable and treatable diseases.
The situation is the worst since the conflict started with Hamas’ terror attack on 7th of October 2023.
Yesterday, the IPC released its report of the food situation in Gaza. It shows a significant deterioration compared to the most recent analysis in October. And as we have heard, the entirety of Gaza is classified as IPC4 – or emergency - and there is a high risk that famine will occur.
This is deeply alarming, and we all have a responsibility to act.
The catastrophic and deteriorating situation is coupled with the announcement of Israel to expand its military operations in Gaza. We strongly oppose these plans that risk having immense consequences in an already desperate humanitarian situation and displacing the majority of the civilian population. This does nothing to serve the long-term interest of peace and security in the region.
At the same time, the Israeli government has announced plans to establish a new mechanism for aid delivery to Gaza under Israeli control, including Israeli military forces, as well as private contractors.
The UN has decided not to participate in this modality, citing that it contradicts Israel's obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and disregards the International Court of Justice's provisional orders requiring unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance at scale to all civilians in need.
Denmark supports the UN’s position.
Denmark will only support an aid mechanism that adheres to the humanitarian principles and is in line with international law. Humanitarian aid must never be politicized and used as a political bargaining chip or as part of a military strategy. Such militarization is not only contrary to humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law, it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of humanitarian work in warzones around the world.
As we have heard from the USG, the UN and their humanitarian partners already have an established aid system in place, ready to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. WFP reports that they alone have enough food to feed one million people for up to four months. These supplies are already positioned in aid corridors ready to be brought in. The people of Gaza do not need a new aid mechanism, they need humanitarian aid to flow freely.
Mr. President,
We reiterate our strong condemnation of any attack on the UN and humanitarian workers. We recall that it is prohibited to attack civilians and civilian objects under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected. Full and transparent investigations into all such incidents are central to the efforts to avoid repetition as well as imperative for assuring accountability.
I also wish to underline our strong condemnation of Hamas and continued alarm by the unspeakable suffering that the heinous terrorist attack on October 7th 2023 have caused. The hostages held by Hamas have endured and continue to endure merciless treatment. This is completely unacceptable. We welcome the release of the American-Israeli hostage, who has finally been reunited with his loved ones after having been brutally held captive by Hamas. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and for Hamas to allow humanitarian access to them.
To conclude, Mr. President,
In the face of continued suffering, we call on all the parties to reach an immediate and lasting ceasefire. To end the bloodshed, and to save innocent lives.
I thank you.