30.07.2025 Statement by denmark at the High-level Conference on the two-state solution

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President, and let me start by thanking the co-chairs France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening this High-level conference on the implementation of a two-state solution.

A solution that at the moment seems distant. But that nevertheless remains the only viable solution. And - in the tragedy we are in - the only beacon of hope.

A hope that we need to reinforce. For all the civilians in Gaza, whose suffering continues to reach new depths.

For the families in the West Bank, displaced and terrorized by new settlements and daily settler violence. And for the Israeli hostages held in cruel captivity by Hamas, now for over 660 days. For the Palestinian and Israeli populations alike.

However, in a conflict that has lasted more than half a century, disillusion runs deep. Installing hope requires action.

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First and foremost, the war in Gaza needs to stop. We reiterate our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and for the unconditional release of all hostages. The situation in Gaza is unprecedented in its inhumanity. Israel must immediately change course.

We welcome any effort to alleviate the suffering, and Israel must lift all restrictions to allow for the provision of safe, dignified and unhindered humanitarian access in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

We continue to support UNRWA, which remains essential until a two-state solution is realised.

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Secondly, the escalating settler violence and displacement in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must be stopped. The E1 settlement plan announced recently by Israel will, if implemented, divide a Palestinian state in two and thereby once again seek to undermine a two-state solution. We cannot let this happen. Together with the EU, we have on numerous occasions expressed our strong rejection of the illegal Israeli settlements and we have called on Israel to take action to prevent such violence and hold the perpetrators accountable.

For the two-state solution to be realised, there can be no forced displacement of the population or unilateral attempts to change the territory and demography of the occupied Palestinian territory. This constitutes a clear violation of international law. 

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Thirdly, the reconstruction of Gaza will be an enormous task for the international community, which we need to prepare for. It will require a coordinated effort with the Palestinian Authority in a leading role.

We welcome the recent plan presented by the Arab group for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development of Gaza as a good basis to discuss next steps for Gaza.

Denmark will be ready to contribute with substantial funding to early recovery and reconstruction efforts as soon as the situation on the ground permits and we urge others to do the same.

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Finally, we need to see a return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza with the whole of Palestine unified under one political leadership.

We reiterate that Hamas can have no future role in governing Gaza. We also commend the Authority for renouncing Hamas and the October 7th terrorist attacks and for embarking on the necessary reform agenda.

To advance the two-state solution, Denmark has maintained a consistent and committed engagement with the Palestinian Authority since its establishment.

Reform and capacity building of the Palestinian Authority is a necessary condition along the path to a credible Palestinian state and key to a two-state solution. Only a reformed, stable and capable Palestinian governance structure can help ensure a renewed political process that in time will address the fundamental aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  We stand ready to continue our support to the Authority, including in order to pave the way for new elections. 

We oppose Israel’s continuous withholding of over 2 billion USD in clearance revenues with a devastating effect on the Palestinian economy. 

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In conclusion, Denmark reiterates its steadfast commitment to the realisation of the two-state solution.

Israelis and Palestinians deserve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. At this critical juncture and through this conference, we must do everything in our power to support that.

I thank you.