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30.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on MEPP

Who H.E. Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 30.06.2025

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Madam President,

 

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his comprehensive briefing.

 

In the midst of regional escalation and a continued deepening of the suffering in Gaza, the situation in the West Bank including East Jerusalem risks being overlooked.

 

With each Council review of the implementation of resolution 2334, the situation unfortunately appears to have deteriorated further. 

 

As our briefer described, just in the few months since the Council’s last deliberations on resolution 2334 in March, Israel has approved several new settlements, there have been widespread movement restrictions, extensive security operations, arrests and detentions in the West Bank.

 

There are also reports of the forced displacement of several local communities, as well as demolition orders of Palestinian-owned structures including in East Jerusalem. Such actions have led to the displacement of over 41.000 Palestinians in the West Bank. Denmark remains concerned about these developments.

 

We are furthermore concerned about an incident involving Israeli soldiers firing warning shots near diplomats during an official visit to Jenin camp in the West Bank. This is completely unacceptable. We emphasize that the safety, and inviolability of diplomats must be respected at all times. We join the Secretary General and others in urging Israel to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and to take any measures preventing any other such incidents to take place.

 

Madam President,

 

The Israeli government’s decision to construct a bypass road between the two Palestinian towns of al-Eizariya and Za’ayem is of great concern. To quote the Secretary-General’s report: “The move is designed to reduce Palestinian presence in the area while facilitating access to settlements”.

 

Denmark reiterates that Israeli settlements are a clear violation of international law. They push Palestinians into isolated enclaves, making it virtually impossible to form a connected and viable land for a future Palestinian state.

 

Denmark rejects settler violence, forced displacement, demolition of Palestinian property and seizing of Palestinian land. Denmark further calls for the full implementation of 2334 and the ICJ’s advisory opinion.

 

According to the ICJ, policies, practices or other measures that seek to bring the occupied territory under Israel’s permanent control constitute acts of annexation contrary to international law.

 

 

We remain greatly concerned with the deteriorating financial situation of the Palestinian Authority and call on Israel to urgently release the withheld tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

 

Any action weakening the Palestinian Authority or worsening the economic situation in the West Bank, such as the threat to suspend the bank waiver, must be avoided.

 

Madam president,

 

Denmark remains deeply alarmed by the catastrophic situation in Gaza, and the severe restrictions on aid. We have all seen the chaotic scenes at the aid distribution sites and we deplore the killing of hundreds of civilians trying to get life-saving aid from militarized aid distribution sites. The situation is further exacerbated by Israel’s continued restrictions on fuel, water and medicine. Restrictions that not only prevent the UN aid organisations from delivering aid to Gaza but also prevent the UN from collecting aid at the border crossings inside Gaza. The level of suffering in Gaza is simply intolerable and must be brought to an end, now.

 

Denmark calls for an immediate ceasefire. For the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. And for Hamas to let the remaining hostages, held since the brutal terror attack on 7 October, see daylight again. They must be immediately and unconditionally released in a safe and dignified manner.

 

Madam President,

 

We regret that circumstances did not allow for the high-level conference on the two-state solution to take place as planned in June 2025, and we look forward to its convening as soon as it is possible.

 

We must return to a path to peace. Peace is needed in Gaza. It is needed in the wider region. We continue to believe that the path to peace is the path of the two-state solution. Let us not wait for it. Let us take concrete steps now towards making it happen.

 

Thank you.