Thank you, Mr. President.
Switzerland welcomes the adoption of this resolution. This first step by the Council, however, comes belatedly as we deplore the victims of Hamas’ terrorist acts and the deaths of thousands of civilians in Israel and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October, including a great many children. I would like to thank the Maltese delegation for all its efforts to reach a consensus within this Council. Switzerland recognizes Israel’s right to ensure its defense and security. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Their captivity in Gaza, in appalling conditions, for more than a month, is unjustifiable, as were the acts of terror and indiscriminate attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli civilians since 7 October. Switzerland condemns these terrorist acts in the strongest possible terms.
We will continue to work towards pursuing this Council’s work on the draft resolution of the ten elected members, which addresses the situation as a whole and to which much effort has been devoted in recent weeks.
Thank you.