Switzerland Expresses Grave Concern About the Escalation in the Middle East

During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council today, Switzerland expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation in the Middle East. "We reject this spiral of violence and emphatically call for a return to diplomacy," said Switzerland in New York. It called on all actors, and those who have influence over them, to exercise the utmost restraint and to choose the path of diplomacy to reduce tensions and seek solutions in accordance with international law. "There is no military solution to this conflict. Dialogue and de-escalation are the only means to avoid plunging into the abyss of a regional war and to find the path to peace again," Switzerland emphasized.

Switzerland demands respect for international law, including the UN Charter. All UN resolutions must be implemented.

Switzerland also called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and to protect the civilian population. Furthermore, it reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, stating that these measures would also help calm the situation in the region. "Negotiations must continue as a matter of urgency," Switzerland emphasized.