Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
Let me also thank Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Ms. Khalidi for their briefings.
The picture they have painted is stark. Despite persistent efforts of the Board of Peace, it is one of continued civilian suffering in Gaza and of a humanitarian situation in crisis, far from what was intended last November, when this Council adopted Resolution 2803, endorsing the Comprehensive Peace Plan.
That is why Denmark joined the other elected Council members in calling for this urgent briefing.
Madam President,
In this context, and while we continue to expect progress on other aspects of the Peace Plan, in particular the urgent need to disarm Hamas and ensure Hamas has no future role in Gaza, allow me to make two points.
First, on access,
The parties to the conflict must deliver on the commitments of the Comprehensive Peace Plan, which include, and I quote “Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.”
Unfortunately, the reality on the ground is inconsistent with these commitments. Aid entering Gaza has remained largely insufficient, both in quantity and in quality, despite nearly the entire population depending on life-saving services.
Humanitarian access has remained inconsistent, restricted, and below agreed commitments. While restrictions on commercial access have been partially eased, much of what enters through commercial channels is neither sufficient nor appropriate to meet large scale humanitarian needs.
Crucially, commercial goods do not measure up to a principled needs-based humanitarian response that reaches the most vulnerable. Oil, fuel, generators, spare parts, temporary shelters, medicine, WASH supplies and other essential items continue to be severely restricted by Israel. These restrictions also limit the rehabilitation of infrastructure and de-mining efforts crucial for humanitarian relief, early recovery and reconstruction as well as for the safety of all Palestinians.
These restrictions have dire and unacceptable human consequences. Most of Gaza’s population is unable to access affordable, nutritious food, and receive food quantities below the minimum needs. Most are without sufficient, clean water and live without proper shelters, sanitation and sewage systems exposing them to pests and infections, leading to a rise in disease rates. Given the vast destruction and damage to Gaza’s healthcare system, we call on Israel to reopen the medical corridor from Gaza to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while stressing the need for patients to be able to return to Gaza.
Madam President,
It is clear that we are very far from the target we set 7 months ago.
This is why Denmark reiterates that humanitarian assistance must be safe, sustained, and unimpeded. It cannot be conditional and it must never be used as a bargaining chip. The UN and its humanitarian partners are able and ready to scale-up humanitarian operations, if only allowed to do so.
We call on Israel to lift the unreasonable level of restrictions on items designated as “dual use” and to open all crossings. We must also shift away from counting trucks towards improved and verifiable humanitarian benchmarks that indicate the actual relief provided to the civilians of Gaza.
Madam President,
My second point relates to the brave people working day and night to deliver humanitarian aid, and our commitment to support them in working without interference and in safety.
As highlighted by OCHA, protection risks persist and a sustained ceasefire is the single most important enabler of humanitarian aid and early recovery. Humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and civilians must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The Comprehensive Peace Plan clearly states that entry and distribution of aid should proceed without interference from the two parties. That it should be done through the UN and its agencies, the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party.
Denmark is alarmed by Israel’s decision to deregister international NGOs. The absence of these organisations would have a significantly negative impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and we urge Israel to allow them to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
We reiterate our call on all parties to respect the ceasefire and to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law. We also remain deeply concerned with any risks of further expansion of Israeli control of Gaza.
Madam President, in closing,
The Comprehensive Peace Plan, along with Resolution 2803 and all other related resolutions, offer a viable path forward to meaningfully improve the situation on the ground for the civilians in Gaza.
What is needed, is implementation.
Around this table, we need to do more to deliver on our commitments and to ensure that these resolutions are fully implemented, by all parties.
As a Council, this is our collective responsibility, and Denmark remains steadfast in our support to this important end.
Thank you.
