A draft resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed today by a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The resolution was negotiated and put to the vote by Switzerland together with the other nine non-permanent members of the Security Council. Among other things, the resolution would have called for:
- an immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages
- immediate access for the civilian population in Gaza to basic services and the facilitation of rapid and unimpeded import of large-scale humanitarian aid to and within the Gaza Strip
- full compliance by all parties with international law, including international humanitarian law, in particular for the protection of the civilians.
Switzerland supported the resolution in New York because it reflects the position of the Federal Council on the current situation in the Middle East. By adopting the draft resolution, the Security Council would have shown its grave concern about the ongoing catastrophic situation in Gaza, the lack of adequate health care and the threat of famine in Gaza. In addition, the Council would have deplored all attacks against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Furthermore, the Council members would have reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a two-state solution, in which two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, coexist in peace within secure and recognised borders.
Switzerland supported the resolution in New York and regretted its failure. In its statement after the vote, it recalled that the obligations of all parties under international law remain unchanged regardless of the adoption or non-adoption of resolutions by the Security Council. "The violence and dehumanisation in this conflict must be brought to an end," Switzerland emphasised.
