23.05.2025 Statement by Denmark at Consultations on Conference in support of Two-State Solution

Checked Against Delivery

Excellencies, Co-chairs 

Denmark’s support for the two-state solution as the only comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is longstanding and unwavering.

We already have the frameworks through the relevant UN resolutions. What we need now is implementation or action as already mentioned by many speakers here this morning.

The upcoming High-level Conference will be critical for developing tangible and actionable steps.

I wish to thank France and Saudi Arabia for steering this timely effort. Let me also thank all the working group co-chairs for their presentations.

Allow me to make a few points about humanitarian assistance and early recovery access across the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as reform and revitalization of the Palestinian Authority to help insured success of the Palestinian government.

First,

We are mindful that in the short term, humanitarian assistance will remain critical for the survival of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians particularly in Gaza, who are at risk of starvation. Denmark is considering how best to support the Palestinian people, including through humanitarian assistance.

In this regard, we reaffirm that until a two-state solution is realized, and UNRWA can hand over its state-like services, UNRWA has a unique mandate from the General Assembly to deliver essential services to Palestine refugees across the Middle East.

As for the preparations of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, we welcome the Arab reconstruction plan. We look forward to further discussions within its framework on early recovery and reconstruction once the time is right for such steps.

Second,

Reform and revitalization of the Palestinian Authority is indispensable as the foundation for the establishment of a Palestinian state, and for fostering sustainable governance and economic development. A first step will be to secure the financial survival of the PA.

The PA must also be assisted in extending its authority to both the West Bank and Gaza to form one legitimate Palestinian government. Hamas can never be allowed to play a role in the future of Gaza.

Throughout the years, Denmark has worked with PA and relevant Palestinian institutions with a view to improve the living conditions of Palestinians, while also building the capacity of national structures, notably in the municipal sector.

Together with the EU, we will continue to support the Palestinian Authority along its current path of reform. We are encouraged by the work done so far by the PA and the EU agreeing on a multiannual programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience linked to the progress made on key reforms in fiscal sustainability, democratic governance, private sector development and public infrastructure and services.

We encourage other donors to contribute to the EU’s future Palestine Donor Platform to support this work.

To conclude, we believe that stronger regional economic ties is a prerequisite both for economic development in Palestine and for political stability of the PA. It deserves special attention as it would contribute decisively to regional security.

Co-chairs, to conclude,

Denmark believes in the two-state solution because we are committed to a future where Palestinians and Israelis alike live side by side in peace and co-existence. Just as we all committed to decades ago.

We are hopeful that the upcoming High-level International Conference will be a decisive step toward achieving this future. 

Thank you.