Denmark's statement at the Intersessional briefing by Volker Türk on the situation in Gaza
Intersessional briefing by the High Commissioner to the Human Rights Council following his visit to the Middle East
November 16 2023
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Denmark aligns with the EU-statement.
Mr. High Commissioner,
We thank you for the initiative for this briefing and for sharing your personal assessment of the situation on the ground, following your visit to the region.
Since the brutal terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel on 7 October, the world has witnessed a horrifying escalation of the situation in the Middle East. The outbreak of violence has already caused immense human suffering, and - as you described - the crisis is deteriorating by the day. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to affected families and loved ones. Let me also express our deep condolences for the more than 100 UN staff members killed in Gaza since 7 October.
Our foreign minister visited Israel and Palestine last weekend and met with representatives from the Israeli and Palestinian governments. In this terrible crisis, it is crucial that we clearly distinguish between on the one hand the terrorist organisation Hamas and on the other hand the Palestinian Authority and civil Palestinians.
We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. We call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and we reiterate once again that there can be no justification for terror. We emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law.
As your briefing bears witness, the level of civilian suffering is heart-breaking. We express our gravest concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and repeat 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 so desperately in need of food, water, shelter, electricity, fuel, and medical care.
In response to this, Denmark has increased our humanitarian aid to Palestine, particularly in Gaza, by approx. 16.5 million euro. This new aid focuses on the protection of children, emergency aid and food for the civilian population, the delivery of medicine and medical equipment, and medical treatment for the sick and injured.
Protection of civilians is not only vital, but one of the core obligations for all parties to a conflict under International Humanitarian Law. We emphasize that international humanitarian law stipulates that hospitals, medical supplies and civilians inside hospitals must be protected. In that regard we condemn Hamas’ use of innocent human shields and we urge Israel to exercise maximum restraint to ensure the protection of all civilians.
As Member States of the United Nations, we all have an obligation to work constructively to find solutions to this immense crisis. Even in this darkest of moments we cannot lose sight of the need for a lasting and sustainable peace. In this regard, Denmark remains committed to reviving a political process towards a two-state solution.
Thank you.
November 16 2023
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Denmark aligns with the EU-statement.
Mr. High Commissioner,
We thank you for the initiative for this briefing and for sharing your personal assessment of the situation on the ground, following your visit to the region.
Since the brutal terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel on 7 October, the world has witnessed a horrifying escalation of the situation in the Middle East. The outbreak of violence has already caused immense human suffering, and - as you described - the crisis is deteriorating by the day. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to affected families and loved ones. Let me also express our deep condolences for the more than 100 UN staff members killed in Gaza since 7 October.
Our foreign minister visited Israel and Palestine last weekend and met with representatives from the Israeli and Palestinian governments. In this terrible crisis, it is crucial that we clearly distinguish between on the one hand the terrorist organisation Hamas and on the other hand the Palestinian Authority and civil Palestinians.
We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. We call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and we reiterate once again that there can be no justification for terror. We emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law.
As your briefing bears witness, the level of civilian suffering is heart-breaking. We express our gravest concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and repeat 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 so desperately in need of food, water, shelter, electricity, fuel, and medical care.
In response to this, Denmark has increased our humanitarian aid to Palestine, particularly in Gaza, by approx. 16.5 million euro. This new aid focuses on the protection of children, emergency aid and food for the civilian population, the delivery of medicine and medical equipment, and medical treatment for the sick and injured.
Protection of civilians is not only vital, but one of the core obligations for all parties to a conflict under International Humanitarian Law. We emphasize that international humanitarian law stipulates that hospitals, medical supplies and civilians inside hospitals must be protected. In that regard we condemn Hamas’ use of innocent human shields and we urge Israel to exercise maximum restraint to ensure the protection of all civilians.
As Member States of the United Nations, we all have an obligation to work constructively to find solutions to this immense crisis. Even in this darkest of moments we cannot lose sight of the need for a lasting and sustainable peace. In this regard, Denmark remains committed to reviving a political process towards a two-state solution.
Thank you.