The UN Security Council today addressed the humanitarian situation and the plight of civilians in the Middle East. Scores of civilians continue to be killed and injured in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing hostilities. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Against this background, Switzerland has called in the Security Council for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the ongoing military operation in Rafah. The consequences of this operation for the civilian population in Rafah, which has been suffering from bombardments, repeated displacement and hunger for more than seven months, are unacceptable. What the population needs today is support, not more suffering," emphasized Switzerland's UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl in New York.
In its statement, Switzerland referred to the numerous resolutions adopted by the Security Council to condemn and stop attacks on civilians, hostage-taking and acts of terrorism. The terrorist acts by Hamas and the hostage-taking of October 7, which Switzerland condemns in the strongest terms, violate all these resolutions. Switzerland continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
In the Council, Switzerland welcomed the fact that the possibility of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by sea has been created. At the same time, it pointed out that the humanitarian aid currently reaching Gaza was far from sufficient. It called on all parties to fulfil their obligations to ensure humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip. It is also essential that the parties ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel so that they can fully carry out their tasks.
In view of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, Switzerland called for the immediate implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. These resolutions are binding under international law and oblige all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. Switzerland also reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders. Such a solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
