I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway). (We fully align ourselves with the EU statement)
The Nordic countries are deeply alarmed by the immense suffering of the Palestinian people. The situation in Gaza is disastrous, particularly in the North where the UN has warned that the entire population is at risk of dying, and the latest IPC-warning suggests there is a strong likelihood famine is imminent. Action is required within days, not weeks.
The Nordic countries are deeply concerned by the recent adoption of legal bills in the Knesset that, if implemented, are likely to prevent UNRWA from continuing its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. In the midst of an ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza following the deplorable terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023, a halt to the organization’s activities may have devastating consequences for the hundreds of thousands of civilians served by UNRWA.
Allow me also to express deep condolences for the staggering loss of civilian life, and the condolences of our governments for the death of humanitarian staff in Gaza.
We pay tribute to the heroic efforts of humanitarian and health workers, who are saving lives and alleviating suffering under extreme circumstances.
The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian and food security crisis of a major order. Over 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.1 million people has been internally displaced, and the majority urgently requires food assistance.
While the extent of the damage is still unknown, in Gaza, it is likely that most of the agricultural infrastructure, soil, and land has been negatively affected, and the current stock of livestock is decimated due to the inability to feed and water animals as well as emergency consumption.
While agricultural land in Gaza is limited, agriculture remains an important part of the Gazan economy and constitutes a significant source of export revenues. Lack of fuel and electricity has had a devastating effect on food security. It has disrupted refrigeration, irrigation, and incubation devices. Wheat flour is no longer available in markets and bakeries are not functioning.
We appreciate that FAO has worked to improve food production, facilitating access to quality food and complementing food assistance. Also that FAO, in collaboration with UNOSAT and others, continue to assess, analyse and evaluate crop land damage, livestock mortality, and damages on the agricultural sector in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The Nordic countries call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and for urgent and dramatically scaled up humanitarian access, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach all civilians regardless of where they are.
We reiterate that all military operations must be in line with international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
There is no military solution to this conflict. The Nordic countries continue to call on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to seek peace through political dialogue. Only a negotiated two-state solution can achieve lasting and durable peace between Israel and Palestine, and in the region.
Thank you, Mr Chair, for giving us the floor on this very important topic.