Under the Swiss presidency, the UN Security Council addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza at an emergency meeting. One year after October 7, 2023, Switzerland remained deeply affected by the acts of terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas in Israel. In New York, she once again condemned these acts and reiterated her call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held. At the same time, Switzerland condemned Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket fire against Israel, as happened two days ago.
The massive escalation of violence, particularly as a result of Israeli military operations, that followed the terror of October 7, 2023, has led to immeasurable suffering for the civilian population in Gaza: over 41,000 people have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since then and 2.2 million , that is, the entire population, live in catastrophic conditions – exposed to constant fighting, hunger and epidemics without protection. Against this background, Switzerland called in the Council for a cessation of hostilities and violence, which is causing numerous civilian victims in the occupied Palestinian territory and thus also in the West Bank. In this context, it once again called on all parties to call for an immediate ceasefire and to implement the four legally binding Security Council resolutions adopted since October 7, 2023.
Ahead of the second phase of the UN polio vaccination campaign and beyond, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured across all border crossings and throughout the Gaza Strip. Starvation in Gaza is spreading and the humanitarian aid reaching Gaza is far from sufficient. Switzerland reiterated that the use of starvation as a method of war is considered a war crime. In addition, humanitarian personnel must be protected, as is the case Resolution 2730 from Swiss pens, which the UN Security Council adopted last May. Switzerland urgently calls on all parties to the conflict to strictly respect international humanitarian law. Switzerland also recalled that all states are obliged to enforce this right and called on them to use their influence to this end.
Switzerland emphasized that respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, is the first step towards resolving the disputes and is necessary to prevent even worse regional escalation and limit the suffering of the civilian population. Sustainable peace in the Middle East requires a negotiated two-state solution with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders. This solution represents the only possibility for peaceful and dignified coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Analysis: The Devastating Reality of the Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza
As the world marks one year since the start of the latest escalation of violence in Gaza, the humanitarian situation in the region remains dire. The recent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, led by the Swiss presidency, highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict, particularly for the civilian population in Gaza [[1]].
The statistics are staggering: over 41,000 people have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, and the entire population of 2.2 million is living in catastrophic conditions, exposed to constant fighting, hunger, and epidemics without protection. The Gaza Strip has been “in ruins” after a year of relentless military campaign by Israel, as reported by the New York Times [[1]]. Visual guides, such as the one provided by the BBC, show the drastic changes in the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict [[2]].
Switzerland, in its capacity as president of the UN Security Council, has reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held by Hamas in Israel. At the same time, Switzerland has condemned Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket fire against Israel, as well as the actions of Hamas on October 7, 2023 [[1]].
However, the situation on the ground suggests that the conflict is far from over. Al Jazeera reports that Israel continues to pound Lebanon, and its siege on north Gaza has forced the UN to shut down shelters and hospitals [[3]]. The ongoing violence and instability in the region are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
As a blog news writer, it is clear that the situation in Gaza requires immediate attention and action from the international community. The UN Security Council’s emergency meeting is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and provide relief to the suffering population. The international community must come together to condemn the actions of Hamas and Israel and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Ultimately, it is the civilians in Gaza who are paying the highest price for the ongoing conflict. It is our responsibility as global citizens to amplify their voices and demand action from our leaders to bring an end to this devastating conflict.
References:
[[1]]
[[2]]
[[3]]
