Thank you, Ms President.
We thank France for requesting this emergency meeting as well as the Secretary-General for his statement detailing the events of the last few days.
As the Secretary General just said, Monday was the deadliest day since the end of the civil war in Lebanon. More than 560 people, including some 50 children, were killed. Since then, the situation has not improved. The much-feared regional escalation is unfolding before our very eyes. Like other members of this Council, we warned of this risk and pleaded for a strong, united call to prevent it. It is our responsibility to find ways of preventing the situation from worsening still further.
Israel's massive air strikes on large parts of Lebanon and the indiscriminate rockets fired by Hezbollah on Israel are unacceptable and must stop. We condemn the fact that, according to information from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, these strikes have caused numerous civilian casualties. This tragic toll and the trauma caused to the civilian population in Lebanon are unacceptable. The same goes for the injured, the damage and the constant fear that the firing of rockets generates among the Israeli population. I offer our most sincere condolences to all the families of the civilian victims of this conflict.
Added to this suffering is the fear of tens of thousands of inhabitants of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa who are fleeing, as well as displaced persons in Israel who are still unable to return home.
One point is absolutely clear: dialogue and de-escalation are the only ways to end this conflict. The current dynamic risks leading to the all-out war which all parties say they want to avoid. We therefore support all efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.
All parties must commit to the full implementation of Resolution 1701, which is recognized by all. This Council unanimously reaffirmed its support for this request a month ago. The resolution sets out a path for resolving the underlying causes of the conflict and enabling the populations of Lebanon and Israel to live in peace and security.
Switzerland therefore calls on Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities immediately.
International humanitarian law must be fully respected by all parties - in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities, in all circumstances. Taking all possible precautions to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, is an obligation under conventional and customary international humanitarian law. We also recall that attacks against civilians and essential civilian infrastructure may constitute war crimes. Accountability must be ensured.
We are outraged by the death of two employees of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees killed in southern Lebanon. Ensuring the protection of humanitarian workers, anchored in international humanitarian law and recalled in Resolution 2730 of this Council, is central and a point that Switzerland emphasized at a ministerial meeting this week.
The security of UNIFIL personnel is also central. This Force, to which Switzerland contributes through UNTSO, is currently carrying out its work in an extremely difficult environment. We welcome the efforts that UNIFIL and UNSCOL continue to make to reduce tensions and ensure liaison between the parties.
We must ensure that this conflict, like the one in Gaza - where we will not cease to insist on a ceasefire, as well as on the release of hostages and rapid, unhindered humanitarian access - comes to an immediate end. This Council must urgently contribute to a diplomatic solution, and speak with a united voice to avoid a regional conflagration that everyone wants to avoid, and for which the civilian population would pay a heavy price.
I thank you.