28.01.2026 Statement for Open debate on the Middle East
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov for his informative briefing.
Mr. President,
We are relieved that the earthly remains of the last hostage held in Gaza since the terror attack on October 7th has finally been returned and we hope that this can contribute to healing for the families affected.
Denmark welcomes the announcement of Phase Two of President Trump’s peace plan.
This moment carries a fragile but powerful promise. A hope that suffering may give way to stability.
But hope, on its own, cannot rebuild lives. It needs to be supported by concrete actions. The Security Council has a key role in overseeing the implementation of resolution 2803, including the work of the Board of Peace. While some elements of the charter of the Board of Peace raise concerns, we wish the Board of Peace will be successful in implementing the Peace Plan for Gaza and effective as a transitional administration in Gaza in line with resolution 2803 and the UN charter.
With the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, we count on Palestinians to be involved in matters related to Palestinian territory.
As we are entering phase two, we call on Hamas and other armed groups to decommission their weapons, because Hamas and other terror organisations must be disarmed and no longer play a role in Gaza. Furthermore, we call on Israel to facilitate a full reopening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions. These are central elements of the Peace Plan.
Mr. President,
Despite some improvements, the humanitarian needs in Gaza remain vast and urgent. Families continue to struggle for shelter, protection, and medical care.
The deregistration of at least 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank risks undermining the progress that has been made. International NGOs are responsible for nearly three quarters of all shelter-related activities and deliver more than 80 percent of basic necessities. Their presence and unimpeded access are crucial to meeting urgent needs at the scale required. We call on Israel to reverse this decision.
We also urge Israel to urgently allow for unrestricted access of aid including dual-use items. As specified in resolution 2803, this Council has underscored the importance of full resumption of humanitarian aid in a manner consistent with the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian assistance must never be obstructed. It is not a bargaining chip; it is a lifeline for the civilian population.
The health system must also be restored, and patients in need of specialized care must be able to be transferred for treatment, especially to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem through the medical corridor, in place before October 7th 2023.
The UN-led humanitarian system remains best placed to undertake the monumental task of getting aid into those in need. United Nations agencies, working hand in hand with international NGOs, form the backbone of life-saving assistance and recovery in Gaza.
In this regard, we echo the Secretary General’s deep concern over Israel’s adoption of legislation on 29 December 2025 to cease UNRWA operations. These laws must be repealed without delay. Israel’s demolition of an UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem last week is unacceptable and a violation of the UN’s privileges and immunities under the UN Charter and international law. The inviolability of UN premises must be upheld, the privileges and immunities of UNRWA personnel respected, and all seized assets returned.
As we look to the next stage of the Peace Plan for Gaza, we must not forget that the West Bank where unprecedented devastating developments are currently unfolding. As we heard from the Deputy Special Coordinator, this includes record numbers of expansions of illegal Israeli settlements, settler violence, intimidation, the seizure of farmland and destruction of crops with widespread impunity. Families are forced to flee their homes. A recent example was a displacement this week of all 120 families in the Ras Ein Al Auja Bedouin community in the Jordan Valley due to escalating violence by Israeli settlers. We urge Israel to immediately halt these measures.
Mr. President,
Peace demands a clear path forward. A two-state solution remains the only viable option for long term sustainable peace. One in which Gaza and the West Bank are reunited, and where Palestinians and Israelis alike can live in security, freedom, and dignity.
We hope that the implementation of the second phase of the Peace Plan will help turn the page and open a new chapter for Gaza.
I thank you.