At the request of France, the UN Security Council today held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Lebanon. In New York, Switzerland expressed its grave concern over the escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Switzerland condemns the attacks by Hezbollah against Israel and its people, as well as all other violations of international law for which this group is responsible. It also condemns all violations of international law by Israel in Lebanon, in particular the air strikes that have caused numerous civilian casualties. In view of this, Switzerland called on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
‘There is no military solution to this conflict,’ Switzerland stated in the Council. Further escalation fuels hatred on both sides and hinders the search for a peaceful solution. In this context, Switzerland supports all efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution.
The situation for the civilian population in Lebanon continues to deteriorate. The Lebanese healthcare system is on the verge of collapse and more than 600,000 people have already been internally displaced. In New York, Switzerland reiterated that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure constitute violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes. It called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law under all circumstances. In order to alleviate the suffering of the people affected, the Federal Council announced on 9 October 2024 its intention to provide additional humanitarian aid of CHF 7 million for the affected population. These funds still have to be approved by the Swiss Foreign Policy Commissions of the National Council and the Council of States.
In conclusion, Switzerland called on all parties to exercise restraint, to strictly adhere to international law and to work urgently towards a de-escalation in Lebanon and the entire region.
Switzerland calls on all parties to guarantee the security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops. It reiterated that UN personnel – as well as humanitarian personnel – must be respected and protected by all parties to the conflict, as stated in Resolution 2730, which the Council adopted at the end of May. In this context, Switzerland condemns the recent attacks by Israeli forces on UNIFIL facilities that have caused casualties.
