Hundreds in Bern call for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict
Published: Saturday, Dec 9th 2023, 18:00
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On the Schützenmatte in Bern late Saturday afternoon, several hundred people called for a ceasefire and a halt to the violence in the war between Israel and Hamas. The focus was on peace, without taking sides for one side or the other.
The participants responded to a call from the group Switzerland Without an Army (Gsoa) and the Jewish Voice for Democracy and Justice in Israel/Palestine (Jvjp). The rally began at dusk and in light rain. Many carried a peace flag or held a candle, as a reporter from the Keystone-SDA news agency reported.
The participants called for the release of the hostages remaining in Gaza and the Palestinian prisoners "arbitrarily detained" in Israel. They also demanded the enforcement of human rights and international law, the provision of humanitarian aid and an end to the blockade.
Dreifuss calls for respect for human rights
People from the organizing associations as well as former Federal Councillor Ruth Dreifuss (SP) gave speeches at the rally. She was stunned and appalled by the incidents, said Dreifuss. The will to comply with international law, human rights and the Geneva Conventions was needed. Dreifuss also called for war crimes to be brought before a court.
In the run-up to the rally, the organizers announced that only peace flags would be tolerated. The Gsoa and Jvjp also stated that their own posters were not permitted. These conditions were adhered to. The rally was peaceful.
©Keystone/SDA
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