We would like to thank the Secretary General for his statement.
Switzerland is extremely concerned about the latest developments in the Middle East. The risk of a regional war that we have been warning of for almost a year now is about to materialize. In view of the countless civilian lives at risk, it is imperative that all actors in the region immediately cease hostilities to allow for de-escalation and that the Council fully assume its role.
The intensification of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, including reports of Israeli ground incursions, and the firing of some two hundred ballistic missiles by Iran into Israeli territory are unacceptable. The same applies to the offensives carried out by the Houthis and other armed groups in the region. All these attacks must stop immediately.
Switzerland condemns the spiral of violence in recent weeks. It is endangering the lives of civilians throughout the region. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, including countless children. Several million have been forcibly displaced because of the hostilities.
The civilian population is paying a heavy price for this military escalation in Lebanon, throughout the occupied Palestinian territory and in Israel.
Dialogue is the only way to avoid a regional war Switzerland supports all efforts to find diplomatic solutions leading to an immediate end to the violence throughout the region. All parties, and those who have influence over them, must now show maximum restraint.
Switzerland calls on all parties to act within the limits imposed by international law, including the United Nations Charter The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be respected.
In addition, the will of this Council is clear: all its resolutions must be implemented. This applies to the resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. It also applies to the resolutions on maritime security in the Red Sea.
Similarly, we once again urge a return to a cessation of hostilities on both sides of the Blue Line, as well as an immediate recommitment to the implementation of Resolution 1701. This resolution is recognised by all. It 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.
International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties in all circumstances and irrespective of the lawfulness of the use of force. This includes strict compliance with the principles relating to the conduct of hostilities, such as the distinction between civilians and combatants, proportionality, and precaution in attack. Switzerland condemns all violations of international law that have taken place in recent days, including yesterday's ballistic attacks by Iran on Israel. Switzerland also condemns all violations of international humanitarian law. We also condemn all violence against civilians, such as yesterday's acts of terror in Jaffa and the increasing attacks by settlers in the West Bank.
Mr. Secretary General,
Switzerland reiterates its support for the UN's commitment and good offices in the region. This applies in particular to UNIFIL and UNSCOL. UNIFIL, to which Switzerland contributes through UNTSO, is currently working in an extremely dangerous environment to reduce tensions and ensure liaison between the parties. Switzerland also reiterates its full support for the work of the Secretary-General.
In addition, the UN, in collaboration with other organizations, is currently providing humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. We reiterate our call for the protection of UN personnel, in particular humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel.
There is an urgent need to put an end to the suffering of the civilian population and to re-establish dialogue in order to bring peace to the region. The responsibility of a Security Council united in its action for peace is clear.
I thank you.