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20.03.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on MEPP

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 20.03.2025

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Mr. Sharabi, thank you for your courageous testimony today, words are not enough to express our condolences for your loss. No one should be forced to endure what you and your loved ones have gone through. I would also like to thank ASG Khiari for your really important briefing. 

Denmark reiterates once again its firm condemnation of the heinous terrorist attacks on October 7th by Hamas against Israel.

We reemphasise that hostage-taking is a war crime, and that the actions of Hamas pose a clear threat not only to Israel but to international peace and security.

Today, we express our deepest solidarity and grief with all those affected by the hostage taking on October 7th.

Our thoughts are with all those that are still held in Gaza, those who came out but are traumatised for life, those who were killed in Hamas’ captivity, and those whose fate is still uncertain.

Amongst those killed is a Danish-Israeli hostage, who we also mourn here today.

We reiterate our demand for the immediate, unconditional, safe and dignified release of the remaining hostages.

We also regret that the hostages have not been granted any humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs as required under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

Colleagues,

 

There has been far too much suffering since October 7th. Suffering of the Israelis and particularly those brutally killed or taken hostage, as well as their loved ones.

And suffering of civilian Palestinians. More than 50,000 people have lost their lives, most of whom civilians.

It is time to break the cycle of violence.

We deplore the breakdown of the ceasefire and the subsequent resumption of the Israeli airstrikes and renewed ground operations in Gaza with further devastation of the civilian population. Over the past few days, there are reports of hundreds of killed.

We are deeply regret the death of a UNOPS staff member and echo the Secretary General’s condemnation of all attacks on UN personnel.

We call on Israel to live up to its obligations under international law including the resumption of unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensure that the basic needs of the civilian populations are met.

In closing,

The suffering we are witnessing on all sides is immense and the urgency to bring about peace cannot be overstated.

Denmark stands firm in our calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Imperatives that can only be achieved through resumed negotiations.

It is our hope that progress on this front will open the pathway towards the two-state solution.

For the sake of those who have suffered, both those in Gaza and those such as Mr. Sharabi, and for those future generations of Israelis and Palestinians, who deserve to live in peace.