Middle East: Emergency meeting on the threat of famine and attacks on humanitarian personnel

In an emergency meeting today, the UN Security Council addressed the catastrophic food security situation in the Gaza Strip and attacks on humanitarian personnel. The meeting was requested by Switzerland, among others. Despite the adoption of the resolution of 25 March 2024, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the fighting continues. The resulting lack of access to food and inadequate water supplies are catastrophic for the civilian population. According to UNICEF, nowhere else in the world is child malnutrition as precarious as in the Gaza Strip.

Only humanitarian aid could provide a remedy. However, widespread insecurity and restrictions on movement are forcing humanitarian organisations to stop their work. "The Gaza Strip has become the most dangerous place for humanitarian workers," emphasised Swiss Ambassador Adrian Hauri, Chargé d'affaires at the UN Security Council. In New York, Switzerland expressed its respect for all humanitarian aid workers who risk their lives every day in the Middle East. "Our thoughts today are with the organisations and families of the two hundred or so humanitarian workers who have been killed in Gaza since 7 October. Attacks on humanitarian workers are a violation of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately," said Adrian Hauri.

Switzerland reminded the Council of the International Court of Justice's call for Israel to work closely with the UN to ensure the provision of urgently needed basic supplies and humanitarian aid by all parties involved. In view of this, Switzerland once again appealed to the parties to strictly observe international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law. Switzerland emphatically called for the implementation of all Middle East resolutions adopted by the Security Council since the escalation of violence last October. "An immediate ceasefire is the only way to ensure that no more civilian lives are lost," emphasised the Swiss ambassador. In addition, all hostages still being held in Gaza must be released immediately and unconditionally.