Today, the UN Security Council once again addressed the situation in the Middle East. In its statement, Switzerland emphasised that compliance with international law and the implementation of Security Council resolutions is urgent.Resolution 2334, which the Council adopted in December 2016, reaffirms that Israel's settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory constitute a violation of international law and an obstacle to the realisation of the two-state solution. In New York, Switzerland criticised the fact that attacks, threats and intimidation by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian population in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continue with minimal impunity. It condemns these attacks, calls for an immediate cessation and recalls Israel's obligations under international law as an occupying power, including the obligation to protect the civilian population.At today's meeting, Switzerland stated that humanitarian personnel, infrastructure and goods must be respected and protected, including the premises of UNRWA and the ICRC. With the adoption of the resolution on the protection of humanitarian personnel, which Switzerland submitted to the Security Council to vote on 24 May 2024, the Council reaffirmed the responsibility of states and parties to conflict to respect and protect the civilian population, including humanitarian personnel, in all conflicts worldwide.Two weeks ago, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2735, which calls on all parties to immediately and unconditionally implement the three-phase plan presented by the US government, which is intended to lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. When the resolution was adopted on 10 June, Switzerland stressed that this plan currently represents the best chance for a way out of the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of victims since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October last year, which Switzerland condemns in the strongest terms.Accordingly, Switzerland reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.It also reiterated the importance of the two-state solution, which is the only basis for peace and stability in the region.