An emergency meeting on Lebanon was convened at the request of France at the UN Security Council on Tuesday evening in New York.
Over the last few days, intense Israeli air strikes on Lebanese territory have caused numerous civilian casualties, including around fifty children. At the same time, indiscriminate rocket fire from Hezbollah has caused injury, damage and constant fear among the Israeli population. Tens of thousands of inhabitants of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa are fleeing, and many displaced persons in Israel are still unable to return home. Against this alarming backdrop, Switzerland condemned the strikes that caused civilian casualties and stressed that dialogue and de-escalation are the only means of bringing this conflict to an end. Switzerland also called on Israel and Hezbollah to put an end to hostilities and on all parties to commit to the implementation of Resolution 1701.
In her statement, Ambassador Baeriswyl also called for full respect for international humanitarian law by all parties – in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. Taking all possible precautions to protect civilians and humanitarian and medical personnel is an obligation under international humanitarian law.
A further regional conflagration, for which the civilian population would pay the highest price, must be avoided at all costs. Switzerland therefore supports all efforts to find a diplomatic solution.
