Switzerland ramps up humanitarian aid as conflict escalates in Gaza

Bern, Press release, 18.07.2014

Switzerland has decided to increase its financial aid in order to help provide medicines for use in surgical operations and for emergency medical care, as well as for psychological support for conflict victims in the Gaza Strip. In view of the worsening violence across the entire Palestinian territory including the Gaza Strip, Switzerland calls on the parties to institute a ceasefire immediately.

Switzerland is deeply concerned by the worsening violence across the entire occupied Palestinian territory including the Gaza Strip, as well as in Israel. In view of the precarious humanitarian situation, Switzerland has decided to donate a further CHF 1 million in order to meet the additional needs created by the current crisis in the Gaza Strip. This aid will largely go to providing medicines for use in surgical operations and for emergency medical care, as well as for psychological support for conflict victims, with priority being given to children.

Switzerland calls on the parties to institute a ceasefire immediately. It reminds the parties of their obligation to strictly adhere to international law, in particular international humanitarian law. It calls on all those participating in the hostilities to redouble their efforts to respect the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality in conducting hostilities so as to protect the civilian population. Furthermore, humanitarian institutions such as UNRWA must be given the necessary latitude and support to fulfil their mandate.

Switzerland remains convinced that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by military means. A lasting solution to the conflict can only be reached through negotiations aimed at allowing the establishment of a viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, existing alongside an internationally recognised state of Israel within secure borders.

As part of its cooperation programme, Switzerland funds several international and local organisations that are working not only to alleviate the humanitarian crisis associated with the current conflict but also the structural development problems affecting the Gaza Strip. Switzerland also funds a programme in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law, and supports numerous organisations active in promoting the protection of civilians and respect for international law.

 


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