Switzerland, together with Guyana, has requested an emergency meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza in its role as ‘Co-Focal Point for Conflict and Hunger’. Switzerland is deeply concerned about the latest report of the ‘Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’ (IPC), which warns of an imminent famine in the Gaza Strip. According to the IPC, the probability of the worst-case scenario of famine in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the north, is increasing. Under international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict are obliged to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need. As the occupying power, Israel must also ensure, within its means, that the basic needs of the population in the Gaza Strip are met. At the Security Council, Switzerland recalled that the use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited by international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime for which those responsible must be held accountable.
In view of the current situation in the Middle East, a ceasefire is essential. Switzerland also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. It is constructively engaged in ongoing negotiations for a potential new resolution on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
In New York, Switzerland once again urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law under all circumstances and to take immediate action to protect the civilian population. It also reiterated that humanitarian personnel must be protected and must not be targeted. In this context, Switzerland stressed to the Security Council the importance of local staff of humanitarian organizations in the Middle East and the central role of UNRWA in providing basic services.
In conclusion, Switzerland called on Council members to take action to end human suffering and restore a political horizon for peace in the Middle East.
