Thank you, Mr President.
Switzerland welcomes the convening of this urgent meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Gaza, and I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ms Rosemary DiCarlo, and the Director of the Funding and Partnerships Division, Ms Lisa Doughten of OCHA, for their statements. Their appeal is clear.
Mr. President,
Switzerland condemns the violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties. It also condemns the fact that the hostilities continue to claim many civilian victims, as was reported last Saturday in Gaza.
A school is a place of learning. A school must enable children to learn, to develop, to build their future and thus contribute to a peaceful and prosperous society. In Gaza today, schools are often the last resort for finding food, water or shelter. But even these schools, which have become makeshift shelters, often offer no refuge to civilians.
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Israeli attack on the Tabeen school killed at least 93 people and was the 21st attack in a single month on a school used as a refuge. According to the same source, attacks on schools, universities, teachers and students are on the increase, while - as we've heard - more than half a million children have been out of school since October 7.
International humanitarian law prohibits – including armed groups such as Hamas – from using civilians to protect a military objective from attack. Even when this rule is violated, this in no way suspends Israel's obligation to comply strictly with international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities. This includes the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality. Israel, as the occupying power, is obliged to provide the population with basic humanitarian needs, including safe shelter.
Mr. President,
75 years ago yesterday, the Geneva Conventions came into being. By adopting these Conventions, the member states committed themselves to preserving humanity, even in times of war. These commitments must be implemented as a matter of urgency by all parties to the conflict. This is not the case today. The parties must respect international law and thus help to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains unbearable. In addition to the risk of dying as a result of the fighting, there are multiple displacements, loss of shelter, disease and famine.
The resurgence of polio shows the scale of the disaster. Polio is incurable. Prevention is the only solution. To this end, the vaccination campaign by the UN and its partners must be made possible without delay to avoid another perfectly avoidable disaster.
Famine continues to take hold in Gaza. Switzerland recalls that the use of starvation as a method of warfare against the civilian population is prohibited and constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute. The immediate, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need throughout the Gaza Strip must finally be guaranteed. The recent remarks by the Israeli Finance Minister are unacceptable and we expect the Israeli government to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law.
Mr. President,
Switzerland demands the full implementation of the resolutions of this Council, in particular resolutions 2712, 2720, 2728 and 2735, as well as the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice.
The war and suffering in Gaza must end and all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. Switzerland calls on all parties to engage in good faith in the ceasefire talks under the aegis of the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
A ceasefire in Gaza is also crucial to regional de-escalation.
The solution of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders remains essential for peace. It is the only conceivable political horizon for guaranteeing the security and dignity of the people of the region, and for schools to become once again what they should be: a place of education and hope for a peaceful future.
Thank you.