Thank you, Madam President.
I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his presentation. We listened attentively to Ms. Efron's presentation and Mr. Levy's poignant story. As early as 7 October, Switzerland firmly condemned the acts of terror and hostage-taking by Hamas and other affiliated groups in Israel.
Madam President,
Allow me to raise one of the issues that will have preoccupied most profoundly Switzerland throughout its term on the Security Council: the protection of civilians, and in particular humanitarian personnel. Switzerland is shocked by the facts reported on this subject, among others, in the Secretary-General's latest report on the implementation of Resolution 2334.
According to the report, Israeli air strikes killed several humanitarian workers on
November 30, including a Save the Children employee and three World Central Kitchen employees. These victims are thus added to the list of more than 330 humanitarians killed - the vast majority of them UNRWA employees. Since October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, including in recent weeks.
Switzerland condemns all attacks on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities are obligations under international humanitarian law.
In Resolution 2730, drafted by Switzerland and recently endorsed by 115 member states, the Security Council reaffirmed the obligation to protect personnel and assets involved in humanitarian operations. This protection is all the more crucial in the light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. In particular, the civilian population is exposed to the risk of starvation, the use of which as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Switzerland will continue to call for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. In this respect, we welcome the mediation efforts underway. We reiterate the obligation to comply strictly with international humanitarian law, including the rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need in Gaza.
These same demands were endorsed by an overwhelming majority of member states in the General Assembly at the last meeting of the Emergency Special Session on December 11. This testifies to a shared determination to put an end to this war and its appalling human toll. It is also a reminder of the central role currently played by UNRWA - whose mandate has been conferred by the General Assembly since 1949 - as the main humanitarian actor in the Gaza Strip, providing state-like basic services throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and as an important bulwark against further destabilization of the region.
Madam President,
Switzerland supports the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of July 19, to which it contributed. The illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territory, which has been ongoing since 1967, is beyond doubt. This occupation must cease as soon as possible.
We deeply regret the lack of implementation of the resolution 2334, as of the four resolutions adopted by this Council since the acts of terror of October 7. Throughout the world, failure to comply with the Council's decisions is synonymous with obstacles to peace, suffering for populations and failed peace processes.
A case in point is the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where violence is at an all-time high as a result of settler attacks and operations by Israeli security forces.
Switzerland is also concerned by the violence in connection to the presence of armed groups, particularly in Jenin.
It reiterates its call on all parties to respect their obligations under international law. Operations carried out in the West Bank must meet the criteria of necessity and proportionality, and respect the right of every individual to life and security of person. All those responsible for violence against civilians and the deliberate destruction of civilian property and infrastructure must be brought to justice.
Switzerland condemns the announcements by Israeli leaders, as recounted in the Secretary-General's report, to expand settlements, illegal under international law, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. These announcements are likely to further fuel the spiral of violence and are clear obstacles to peace.
Madam President,
Allow me to conclude by reiterating Switzerland's full support for the two-state solution, which 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.
Thank you.