The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting today to discuss the escalating situation between the Yemeni Houthis and Israel. The Houthis' unacceptable drone and rocket attacks on Israel have increased sharply in recent days, destroying a school in Ramat Gan and hitting a playground in Jaffa, among other things, and causing casualties. Israel also carried out air strikes in Yemen, including on the civilian airport in Sana'a. These attacks killed and injured people. One of the wounded was a UN employee. The delegation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization, which was at the airport in Sana'a, escaped unharmed. Switzerland condemns the spiral of violence and calls on all parties to respect international law and exercise restraint.
In New York, Switzerland emphasised three key points:
- Respect for international law
The use of force must be strictly limited to the exercise of self-defence. During the conduct of hostilities, the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be respected in order to protect the civilian population and civilian infrastructure. This also includes UN Security Council Resolution 2730, which emphasises the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel. - Arms embargo
The embargo against the Houthis must be strictly adhered to in order to contain the spread of weapons in the region. - Return to dialogue
Diplomacy, de-escalation and political solutions are the only way to achieve peace and stability. This applies to the entire region: the attacks in Yemen, Israel and Syria must stop. In Gaza, a ceasefire and the release of all hostages are urgently needed.
Switzerland emphasised that it remains committed to upholding international law and protecting civilians, even after its term on the Security Council has ended, and called on the UN Security Council to do the same and to contribute to diplomatic solutions for peace and stability.
