Cassis calls for ceasefire in the Middle East
Published: Tuesday, Oct 29th 2024, 16:50
Updated At: Tuesday, Oct 29th 2024, 17:00
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In Israel, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, violence is constantly fuelling new violence, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis told the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday. "We are now beyond all humanity," said the Swiss Foreign Minister.
Since Hamas' acts of terrorism against Israel on October 7, 2023, the Security Council has adopted four resolutions, said Cassis. These resolutions call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, compliance with international law, protection of the civilian population and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
It was unacceptable that none of these resolutions had been implemented, emphasized the Foreign Minister. Repeatedly appealing to the parties to the conflict to respect the resolutions of this Council was a process that was gradually becoming meaningless.
"Appeals are pointless if we all, both in this room and on the battlefield, do not live up to our responsibilities," said Cassis. He called for an immediate ceasefire.
The Federal Council sharply criticized Israel's decision to ban the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the Palestinian population on its soil. The decision was not only incompatible with international law, but also threatened the urgently needed aid for the civilian population.
Two-state solution
Mr. Cassis recalled that Switzerland would be hosting a conference on behalf of the UN on the implementation of the Geneva Conventions on the protection of the civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
The Federal Council said it was convinced that peace could still be achieved by diplomatic means. Switzerland continues to believe that a political two-state solution is also possible and desirable.
As Switzerland is chairing the UN Security Council this month, Mr. Cassis will chair the debate on the situation in the Middle East, in which all UN member states can participate.
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