Madam President,
Thank you, Excellency, for your presence today and for organizing this quarterly debate.
I would also like to thank the Special Coordinator for his presentation of the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of Resolution 2334. And I thank Helen Clark for her presentation.
Switzerland supports the International Court of Justice and its advisory opinion of July 19. The illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territory, which has been ongoing since 1967, is now beyond doubt. It must end, and a political horizon must be re-established.
We remain convinced that the two-state solution is the only possible option for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, security and dignity, within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters.
To this end, Switzerland welcomes the fact that the resolution adopted yesterday recognizes the need to relaunch a process to achieve a two-state solution. We support the call for a UN-led peace conference to be held during the 79th session of the General Assembly.
For its part, Switzerland, as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions and its
Additional Protocols, will honor the mandate conferred on it yesterday by the General Assembly and organize a Conference of High Contracting Parties within six months.
In accordance with Article 1 common to the Geneva Conventions, it is indeed imperative to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Concrete measures must be taken immediately to protect the civilian population.
Madam President,
Since October 7, settler attacks, threats and intimidation against civilians, including humanitarian workers, have increased exponentially in the West Bank. One example among many is Monday's settler attack on an elementary school near Jericho, in which at least seven pupils and teachers were injured, according to reports. Switzerland condemns such attacks, which, along with the construction of settlements, contribute to the creation of a coercive environment and lead to the forced displacement of Palestinian communities. This is compounded by an intensification of Israeli military operations. The use of force in these operations must meet the criteria of necessity and proportionality, and respect every individual's right to life and security.
Switzerland therefore condemns the announcements by Israeli leaders to expand the settlements, which are illegal under international humanitarian law. The establishment of a new settlement, by legalizing an outpost, in Wadi Al-Makhrour, near Bethlehem, in an area listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, is the latest example in a series of similar decisions that sabotage the two-state solution.
In Gaza, hostilities continue to claim numerous civilian victims against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The success of the first wave of polio vaccinations shows that large-scale humanitarian operations can be carried out in Gaza with sincere political will. The parties must respect international humanitarian law and facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need, including hostages, whose immediate and unconditional release we call for.
A ceasefire is urgently needed. This Council has clearly demanded it in resolutions 2728 and 2735, which must be implemented. We support the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt to this end.
This is essential to prevent further escalation in the region. Switzerland is deeply concerned by the explosions in Lebanon on September 17 and 18, and the reports of numerous civilian casualties. We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and work towards immediate de-escalation. We also call on all parties to respect
international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in all circumstances.
Switzerland stands ready, both as part of this Council and outside, to contribute to restoring peace and security in the region.
Thank you.