Danish statement for the Emergency Special Session on the Middle Eastern Peace Process
Check Against Delivery
Thank you Mr. President.
Since 7 October, the world has witnessed a horrifying escalation of the situation in the Middle East. This outbreak of violence has already caused immense human suffering, and regrettably, the crisis is deteriorating by the day. We mourn the thousands of innocent civilians already killed or wounded in this terrible conflict and extend our most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to their families and loved ones.
Denmark condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. We reiterate that there can be no justification for terror. And we strongly emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law in the face of such violent and indiscriminate attacks. We also call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition.
We are witnessing a heart-breaking level of civilian suffering. Denmark reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law. This includes taking all feasible precautions to prevent civilian casualties and reduce damage. We also underline the importance of protecting medical facilities, schools, and UN premises at all times.
Mr. President,
Denmark is gravely concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Together with the EU, we continue our call for continued, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, including through humanitarian corridors and pauses. It is paramount to ensure an urgent increase in the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza so desperately in need of food, water, shelter, electricity, fuel, and medical care. We welcome that some trucks with humanitarian aid have entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, but reiterate that much more is needed. Denmark is a long-term donor to UNRWA and among top 15 donors. To respond to the current situation, the Danish Government has increased Denmark’s humanitarian aid for Gaza and the West Bank with an extraordinary pledge of approximately 7 million USD.
Denmark is grateful to the UN Secretary-General for his tireless efforts to ensure the urgent delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza. We commend the humanitarian personnel working night and day in Gaza to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance, but deeply regret that this heroic work has cost more than 67 UN personnel their lives. We express our deepest condolences to their families and reiterate that humanitarian workers and UN personnel must be protected at all times.
Mr. President,
As Member States of the United Nations, we all have an obligation to work constructively to find solutions to this immense crisis. In particular, we have entrusted the Security Council with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. Rarely should the weight of this responsibility be felt heavier than today. For this reason, we urge the Security Council, and particularly its permanent members, to redouble their efforts towards finding a common position that can address the current escalation of violence. In this regard, we commend the constructive role played by the elected members of the Security Council.
While we are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, it is also crucial to prevent regional escalation and we call on regional actors to refrain from any action that can further aggravate the situation. We also note with great concern the significant increase in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. We stress the importance of engaging broadly with the Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Authority, as well as regional and international partners, to prevent further escalation.
In this tragic situation, we are reminded once again of the need for a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. For this reason, we remain committed to reinvigorating the efforts in the Middle East Peace Process. In the midst of the present crisis, we must never lose sight of this viable path to a durable peace.
Thank you.