The Security Council held an emergency meeting in New York on Monday afternoon following the drone attack on Tel Aviv on Friday 19 July, claimed by the Houthis. This attack was followed by a strike in Hodeïda by the Israeli army in response. Switzerland has expressed its deep concern at these recent developments in the region, both in Yemen and in the Middle East. ‘Every attack in the region, including the latest missile strikes against Eilat, brings us closer to an even more serious regional escalation, a risk that we have a responsibility to mitigate’, said the Swiss representative in the Council. He also recalled that all actors in the region must exercise caution and the utmost restraint, and at all times respect international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.
Switzerland affirms that only political solutions can bring peace and security to the entire region. A ceasefire in Gaza and an end to attacks by armed groups in the region are urgently required. The Security Council resolutions must be implemented immediately. The same applies to Yemen. The measures taken by the Council to promote a resolution of the conflict in Yemen through dialogue, in particular the arms embargo established by Resolution 2216, must therefore be strictly respected.
