Switzerland wants to convene Middle East conference after UN mandate
Published: Wednesday, Sep 18th 2024, 19:30
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Switzerland wants to convene a Middle East conference of the parties to the Geneva Conventions. It announced this on Wednesday on the short message service X. The UN General Assembly had previously given it a mandate to do so.
Respect for international law and the protection of the civilian population must have top priority, it said. There must be a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.
The illegality of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is beyond doubt. It must stop and a "political horizon" is needed.
Nevertheless, Switzerland abstained from the vote in the UN General Assembly. This was because some points went beyond the legal opinion of the International Court of Justice: these included the twelve-month deadline for Israel's withdrawal, without any mention of how Israel's security could be guaranteed.
The UN General Assembly had previously called for Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories within a year with a clear majority of 124 votes.
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