At an emergency meeting following the execution of six hostages by Hamas last weekend, Switzerland expressed its deep shock at this act in the UN Security Council. It once again condemned in the strongest terms the acts of terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas and other armed groups since 7 October. The taking of hostages and their execution are war crimes. In New York, Switzerland demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. In addition, both the hostages and the people held by Israel in connection with the conflict must receive immediate medical assistance.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. Switzerland recalled that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected and condemned all attacks on any civilians. Humanitarian personnel must be protected in order to help the suffering civilian population, in particular for the continued implementation of the UN immunisation campaign to protect 640,000 children in Gaza from polio. On the Council, Switzerland welcomed the fact that the first phase of the immunisation campaign is proceeding without major incidents and called on the parties to continue to facilitate this campaign.
Switzerland emphasised once again that a ceasefire in Gaza is crucial. Against this backdrop, it supports the mediation efforts of the USA, Qatar and Egypt to reach a consensus on a corresponding agreement. This would also contribute to regional de-escalation.
Compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, by all parties is urgently needed. This also applies to the West Bank, where an increase in violence can be observed, including settler violence and in the context of operations by the Israeli security forces. Switzerland emphasised in the Security Council that Israel must take particular account of the criteria of necessity and proportionality in the use of force and respect the rights to life and security of every individual. In New York, Switzerland also recalled that Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for maintaining law and order in the West Bank and must ensure the protection and well-being of the population.
Compliance with international law by all parties is the first step on the road to peace in the Middle East, which must lead to a negotiated two-state solution.
