Switzerland welcomes the ceasefire in the Middle East after the recent 11-day hostilities. It commends Egypt for its efforts, in cooperation with the United Nations, in helping to restore calm in the region. Switzerland also underscores the importance of ensuring humanitarian access and calls for the immediate and unimpeded restoration of all crossings into Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The recent round of violence has brought untold suffering once again to Palestinian and Israeli civilians, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries including many children. Breaking this vicious circle of violence requires a radical change to the current dynamics of the conflict.

Switzerland calls on all parties to respect the ceasefire and make use of this momentum to initiate a credible process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Reconstruction efforts must be part of such a process if it is to be sustainable.

For Switzerland, only a two-state solution negotiated by both parties in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters, including UN Security Council resolutions, can lead to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. All unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution must cease, as set out in Security Council Resolution 2334. Switzerland remains at the disposal of the parties to facilitate the resumption of dialogue.

Switzerland welcomes Middle East ceasefire