Switzerland expresses concern about escalation in Lebanon
Published: Tuesday, Oct 1st 2024, 11:40
Updated At: Tuesday, Oct 1st 2024, 16:30
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Switzerland has expressed its "deep concern" about the escalation of violence in Lebanon. In a statement published on Platform X on Tuesday, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to cease hostilities immediately.
International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected. Switzerland is calling for dialog and de-escalation, as stated in the statement from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Israel's military has launched a ground offensive in the fight against the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Soldiers crossed the border to the neighboring country in the north on Tuesday night, according to the army.
The scope of the military operation initially remained unclear. Israel wants to enable the return of 60,000 Israelis who have been displaced from areas along the northern border by Hezbollah attacks for months. The Israeli military has been massively attacking targets in the neighboring country for days.
No injured Swiss reported so far
At the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency, the FDFA reported that around 1,200 Swiss nationals abroad had registered with the Swiss embassy in Lebanon. Around 90 people have also registered on the Travel Admin App for a stay in Lebanon. The FDFA is not yet aware of any Swiss nationals who have been injured, the statement continued.
In general, the FDFA advises against traveling to Lebanon. In addition, since July 31, 2024, the department has recommended leaving the country by your own means. The FDFA does not carry out organized departures of Swiss nationals, it said. The decision to leave a crisis region is made voluntarily, at the departing person's own risk and expense.
Meanwhile, the FDFA helpline is available around the clock. All Swiss representations in the region are still operational. Their staff are in good health, the statement continued. Like all Swiss representations abroad, the representations in the Middle East also have security and crisis plans in place. These are reviewed and adapted on an ongoing basis.
The members of the Swiss Armed Forces deployed as peacekeepers as part of the Untso mission (United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East) are also safe and well. They are at protected locations, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) announced this afternoon via Platform X.
©Keystone/SDA
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