24.03.2026 Statement for MEPP briefing 2334
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov for his briefing on the Secretary General’s Report. And I wish to thank High Representative Mladenov for his presence here today and for his detailed briefing on the way ahead. This is exactly what we need as a counsel.
Mr. President,
For decades, this Council has convened to bring a lasting and peaceful solution to the Palestinian question. Throughout this time, while the situation on the ground has evolved, one constant has remained: that the only viable solution to this decades-long conflict is the realisation of the two-state solution.
We are determined not to let it slip beyond reach. But it is unfortunate what is happening right in front of us.
Mr. President,
We continue to support a full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza. Resolution 2803 has charted a way forward. It provides a clear framework. Phase 1 has been completed but we need to see tangible progress on the implementation of phase 2.
We need progress on lifting the restrictions on humanitarian aid, including entry of dual use items; on the removal of rubble and unexploded ordnance, on rebuilding of homes, and on the reopening of schools. We also need progress on the disarmament of Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a viable path towards Palestinian self-determination.
Sadly, progress is not happening fast enough. Devastation is still immense in Gaza. Parents, lacking fuel, are turning to burning plastic to cook food for their children. Injured and sick people still await evacuation and medicine. And the health system has collapsed as we heard from the higher representative.
There is a lack of all necessities. The regional escalation has deteriorated the situation further. All border crossings except Kerem Shalom have been closed for humanitarian aid, and Rafah only reopened recently for a limited number of evacuations and returnees. The number of trucks with humanitarian aid entering Gaza has fallen to fewer than 100 per day at a time when humanitarian access should be safe, sustained, and unhindered to meet the vast needs in Gaza. This is well below the target of 600 trucks per day envisioned in the peace plan.
The ones who could deliver the much-needed aid are prevented from doing so. The UN-led humanitarian system, which includes UNRWA and international NGOs, has proven its ability to deliver aid at scale, efficiently and safely. It remains the best placed to carry out this enormous task, but it is prevented from doing so. We call on Israel to urgently reregister international NGOs and to remove all barriers for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mr. President,
Progress on the 20-point plan is clearly linked to the situation in the West Bank. In the shadow of the regional escalation, and after two years of war in Gaza following Hamas’ brutal terror attack on October 7, the international community risks losing sight of the situation in the West Bank. We must not allow that to happen.
Across the West Bank, Israeli control is being solidified, settlement expansion continues to increase, outposts are being legalised under Israeli law, and Palestinian land is being seized. Communities face demolition and displacement. We reiterate that Israel’s settlements are a clear violation of international law and call on Israel to change course.
Since the beginning of the recent regional escalation, we have also seen a concerning uptick in settler violence. In just the first three months of 2026, eight Palestinians have been killed by extremist settlers, who continue to exercise violence with full impunity. This compares with eight in all of 2025. And as documented by Israeli NGO Yesh Din, nearly 94 % of the cases that were actually recorded by Israeli Police concerning settler violence over twenty years were not brought to trial.
The gap between the commitments of this Council and the reality on the ground is widening. This trajectory must be reversed. Settlement expansion must stop.
Action that fragment Palestinian territory must be brought to an end, including the E1 settlement plan and the continued legalisation of outposts. Withheld Palestinian tax revenues must be released.
Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must be reunified under the Palestinian Authority. Failing this would mean that a future Palestinian state becomes an illusion before long.
Mr. President,
Denmark will continue to call for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. For progress towards the two-state solution. For a future of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
I thank you.