The Swiss government will ask parliament to release CHF90 million ($99.5 million) in additional funds for humanitarian aid destined for the Middle East, it said on Wednesday.
The funds will go mainly to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (CHF25 million), the International Committee of the Red Cross (CHF15 million), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (CHF15 million), the UN children’s agency Unicef (CHF10 million), the World Food Programme (CHF10 million) and various health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Terre des Hommes Switzerland (CHF15 million).
The emergency humanitarian aid would be provided throughout the region. Parliament still has to give its approval.
The Swiss government has reiterated its "unequivocal condemnation" of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas since October 7 and calls for the release of all hostages. At the same time, the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law are essential for both parties, it said.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis called on Israel to declare a humanitarian truce to guarantee access to aid for the population. A call for a ceasefire, however, would contradict Israel's right to ensure its own security. Israel has the right to defend itself, he told reporters.
Switzerland has spoken of the need to respect international humanitarian law (IHL). Israel has so far paid great attention to this aspect, Cassis said. But strict compliance with IHL in a territory as densely populated as Gaza is difficult. If there are violations of IHL, it will be up to the courts and history to judge, he said. ...