I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
Like my colleagues, I would like to thank France for having requested this emergency meeting, as well as Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for their statements.
Switzerland is extremely concerned about the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,500 people have been killed, including many civilians and more than 120 children. The Lebanese health system is on the verge of collapse, a large part of the country is under evacuation orders from Israel and more than a million people have already been displaced, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. At the same time, Hezbollah continues to fire rockets into Israel, including as far as Tel Aviv. These rockets have caused deaths, injuries and damage. In addition, they continue to prevent the return of displaced persons from northern Israel.
Switzerland condemns Hezbollah's attacks against Israel and its population as well as all other violations of international law for which this group is responsible. Switzerland also condemns all violations of international law by Israel in Lebanon, in particular the air strikes that have caused numerous civilian casualties. All hostilities must cease immediately. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel must be respected. The inflammatory rhetoric and threats to continue hostilities are irresponsible and must also come to an end.
There is no military solution to this conflict, we have heard it. This war will fan the flames of hatred on both sides and make a peaceful solution all the more difficult in the future. Switzerland calls for an immediate ceasefire. We support all efforts to reach a diplomatic solution. All parties must recommit themselves to the full implementation of Resolution 1701. This resolution is recognised by all and paves the way to resolving the underlying causes of the conflict.
International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties in all circumstances. Attacks on civilians are prohibited. The parties must at all times distinguish between civilians and combatants, and take all possible precautions to spare civilians, including humanitarian personnel. We recall that medical facilities and medical personnel also benefit from specific protection. It is unacceptable that many civilians, including relief workers and medical staff, have been killed. We reiterate that attacks on civilians and essential civilian infrastructure constitute war crimes which the competent States have an obligation to investigate and prosecute.
We strongly condemn the firing by the Israel Defence Forces on UNIFIL positions that caused injuries today. Light must be shed on these incidents and on those responsible. We expect the IDF and Hezbollah to guarantee the safety of the troops. As a contributor of troops through UNTSO, Switzerland fully supports UNIFIL in the implementation of its mandate and the decision to maintain all positions. In addition, we welcome the efforts that UNIFIL and UNSCOL continue to make to deconflict, reduce tensions and ensure liaison between the parties. We also welcome the humanitarian aid provided by UN agencies - but also by NGOs and volunteers. Yesterday, the Swiss government announced its intention to allocate a further CHF 7 million in humanitarian aid to meet the needs of the population.
Excellencies, we urge all parties in the region to exercise restraint, to strictly respect international law and to work urgently towards de-escalation. Any other behaviour could lead to a regional conflagration. This Council must speak with one voice to obtain a ceasefire in Lebanon and support the parties in returning to the diplomatic track. Let us do all we can to ensure that civilians do not continue to pay the price for the failure to find political solutions and that they can - at last - live in peace and security.
I thank you