27.08.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on MEPP

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President

At the outset, allow me to thank ASG, Msuya, and Chief Executive Officer, Ashing, for their powerful briefings. Through you, I would like to extend Denmark’s sincere gratitude to your teams and organizations for their life saving work in Gaza, operating in unimaginably difficult circumstances. I also thank Deputy Special Coordinator, Alakbarov, for his insightful briefing.

Ms. Gritzewsky, thank you for your courageous testimony. The horrors you and your loved one have suffered are simply unthinkable. I assure you, we are not, and we have not, been silent in the face of these heinous acts.

Mr. President,

There is no denying it. The famine that we have all feared is now a confirmed fact in Gaza City, and it is expected to affect more areas by September. At least half a million people in Gaza are facing the most severe conditions of starvation, destitution and death.

This famine is not an unforeseeable disaster, not a sudden shock that caught us unprepared and by surprise. It was never inevitable nor beyond prevention.

This famine is first and foremost a result of Israel’s actions. To restrict humanitarian aid, including food and other essential goods.

We urge Israel to immediately change course. Immediate, large-scale, unobstructed multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance is critical to avert further destitution, starvation and death. Immediate and decisive action will save lives.

Mr. President,

We are deeply shocked by another attack on a medical facility in Gaza, namely the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this Monday. Civilians, health workers and journalists must be protected.

In order to lessen the enormous pressure on Gaza's health facilities, we call for the resumption of medical evacuation corridors from Gaza to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Additionally, we call on Israel to lift restrictions on essential medicines and medical equipment to Gaza that are currently denied on the grounds of being dual-use.

Civilians, including humanitarian workers and UN personnel, as well as civilian infrastructure, must be protected by all parties in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The full-fledged UN humanitarian aid system must immediately and unconditionally be allowed to return. Due to Israel's new restrictive registration requirements, essential international NGOs may be forced to leave imminently which would further worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation. We repeat our call on the government of Israel to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments. Humanitarian aid must cease to be politicised and used as a political bargaining chip in Gaza.

Mr. President,

In the midst of this catastrophic situation, a military campaign targeted at Gaza City is being been launched by Israel. We condemn this decision, which will only lead to more unbearable suffering for the civilians of Gaza City. We urge Israel to halt this operation.

Mr. President,

Denmark reiterates its firm condemnation of the heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023 perpetrated by Hamas. There can be no justification for this attack, nor for the despicable maltreatment of the hostages. However, we have consistently stressed that Israel’s response must be exercised in compliance with international law and with full respect for international humanitarian law. The fight against terrorism cannot come at the expense of the rules that safeguard humanity. We reiterate our support for the mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar and repeat calls to reach an agreement for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, including of course, Ms. Gritzewsky, your partner.

Mr. President,

With the world’s attention on Gaza, Israel has decided to approve the E1 settlement plan that – if implemented – will divide a Palestinian state and thereby undermine the two-state solution. Denmark strongly condemns this decision, which is taken in the midst of deeply unsettling reports of intensifying violence, intimidation and land grabbing in the West Bank.

Mr. President,

In closing, we need initiatives that bring us closer to the two-state solution – not further away from it. We need initiatives aimed at lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Denmark stands ready to support such initiatives, and reiterates our steadfast commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable solution for peace in the Middle East.

And I thank you.