Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has denounced the “disturbing and horrific” images emerging from Gaza but insisted that the timing is not right for Denmark to officially recognise a Palestinian state.
Her comments come as UK Labour leader Keir Starmer prepares to potentially recognise Palestinian statehood as early as September, provided Israel agrees to a ceasefire and demonstrates a commitment to a long-term peace deal.
Writing on Facebook, Frederiksen stressed that Denmark “supports the idea of a Palestinian state” and views it as “the way forward.” However, she argued that recognition should only happen once there is a “stable and democratic Palestinian state free from Hamas influence.”
She added that recognition must go hand in hand with Israel’s security and sovereignty: “Of course, it must also include mutual recognition of Israel. Everyone deserves peace and safety.”
Frederiksen cautioned that symbolic recognition at this stage would not change the grim reality for “thousands of children struggling to survive” in Gaza. Instead, she said Denmark will use its upcoming six-month presidency of the European Union to “apply stronger pressure on both Israel and Hamas.”
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Local authorities report that at least 25 people were killed today in Israeli strikes, including 12 civilians who were attempting to access aid.
Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network, told The Guardian that Israel’s military push into Gaza City could result in the forced displacement of over one million people to the south of the strip, where many would be left without even basic shelter.
“We are deeply worried about families who cannot move—the elderly, people with disabilities, widows, orphans. There is no safe place left in Gaza. Where can people go?” Shawa asked, calling the situation “unthinkable.” He urged the international community to step in immediately, warning: “Day by day, hope is disappearing. We need urgent action to stop this.”
The crisis has also led the US State Department to suspend visitor visas for Gaza residents while it reviews recent humanitarian visa approvals. In Britain, nearly 100 MPs from across party lines have urged the government to admit wounded and sick children from Gaza “without delay.” UK ministers say they are accelerating efforts to bring critically ill children for treatment.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 22 people today, with 13 of them dying while trying to reach aid distribution points. Aid groups also confirmed that 11 people, including one child, have died from hunger-related causes in the past 24 hours.
In the UK, demonstrators from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have gathered outside RAF High Wycombe to demand an arms embargo on Israel.
