31.03.2026 Statement for urgent meeting on Lebanon
Checked against delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me also thank USG Lacroix, USG Fletcher and ASG Khiari for their informative and alarming briefings.
We also thank France and Indonesia for calling for this urgent meeting, which we agree is both necessary and timely.
Recent days’ events illustrate how fragile and dangerous the situation in Lebanon has become, and how crucial it is to prevent further escalation, for the civilians of Lebanon and Israel alike.
Mr. President,
We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attacks on UNIFIL which in the past two days have caused the deaths of three peacekeepers and the serious injury of others. We look forward to the results of UNIFIL’s full and thorough investigation into these incidents.
Peacekeepers are clearly protected under international humanitarian law, and any deliberate targeting against peacekeepers is unacceptable.
Denmark extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed as well as to the government and people of Indonesia. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured.
The brave women and men of UNIFIL serve under the UN flag in the pursuit of peace. They are the embodiment of multilateral solidarity and cooperation in action, and these incidents represent a direct attack on these principles.
We commend UNIFIL for its continuous work despite the extremely challenging circumstances, and stress our unwavering support for the mission.
Mr. President,
As we have said before, we strongly condemn Hezbollah’s continued attacks against Israel, which has dragged Lebanon into yet another unwanted war and must stop immediately.
Denmark is concerned about the significant humanitarian and civilian consequences of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and underlines that all military actions must be conducted with full respect for international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution. The protection of civilians must be ensured and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief must be facilitated.
Recent statements by for instance the Israeli finance minister about the intention to move the Lebanese/Israeli border to the Litani river are deeply concerning. This area makes up about one-tenth of Lebanon’s territory, is home to hundreds of thousands of Lebanese and includes cities with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any large-scale ground invasion or long-term occupation of Lebanese territory that risk escalating the hostilities beyond control.
This includes withdrawing its forces from occupied areas in Lebanon in line with the November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement. Denmark calls for respect for Lebanese sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence in line with resolution 1701 and 1559.
Hezbollah must cease all attacks on Israel and respect the Lebanese state’s exclusive authority over all arms and military activity. The Lebanese government has taken unprecedented steps its efforts to disarm Hezbollah. We fully support the government’s efforts in this regard.
Mr. President,
With reports of 1.1 million people displaced in Lebanon, including over 350.000 children, and more than 1,200 killed, including many civilians, the humanitarian situation is quickly reaching unmanageable levels.
The majority of the displaced lack formal shelter, protection, food and medical services. Humanitarian access to the South is significantly restricted for an estimated 150,000 people.
Denmark condemns all attacks directed at civilians and civilian infrastructure, including first responders and health care personnel.
Since March 2nd, we have seen 87 attacks on health care in Lebanon, resulting in more than 50 deaths among healthcare personnel and many more wounded.
This must stop.
Denmark recalls resolutions 2286 and 2730 on the protection of medical staff and facilities and the protection of humanitarian workers. We urge all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, uphold these resolutions and ensure that all civilians, including medical staff and humanitarian workers, are protected and do not become the target of attacks.
Denmark also expresses our deep concern over the reported attacks on journalists, and recall that civilians must be protected under international humanitarian law.
Mr. President, in closing,
As the situation in the region continues to escalate, the path to stability cannot be selective, but must be comprehensive. We must not allow developments in Lebanon to be overshadowed by other events. We must collectively and strongly insist on de-escalation.
Around this table, we must do all within our power to this urgent end.
I thank you.