At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Switzerland expressed its deep concern about the number of civilian casualties in Gaza and the fact that hospitals, UN buildings and other civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip have been hit. It emphasised that the obligations under international humanitarian law are clear: civilians and civilian objects must be protected, both in Israel and in the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, Switzerland reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of the acts of terrorism and rocket fire by Hamas against the Israeli population in accordance with its position. It called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza. Switzerland recognises Israel's right to ensure its defense and security and recalls that all parties are obliged to comply with international humanitarian law. In light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, it called for the rapid and unhindered delivery of basic goods and services to all civilians in need.
