Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis Calls for Ceasefire in the Middle East at the UN

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), stressed the importance of a ceasefire in the Middle East at the United Nations in New York.

Cassis emphasized the need for international action to end the violence. Speaking on 16 May 2021 at the UN Security Council, Cassis urged all parties to "immediately cease the violence and begin negotiations for a sustainable ceasefire".

The escalation of violence in the region has caused immense suffering and taken numerous lives, he said. The civilian population in particular is paying a high price. Switzerland is deeply concerned about the situation and reiterates its call for an end to the attacks against civilians, he stressed.

Cassis appealed to all parties to take up the ceasefire proposal of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Besides an immediate ceasefire, this proposal also includes humanitarian aid for the civilian population and the resumption of the dialogue under the auspices of the UN to find a political solution to the Middle East conflict.

"I am convinced that only a political dialogue based on international law will lead to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," said Cassis. Switzerland is supporting these efforts and is committed to confidence-building measures between the parties.

Switzerland has been working for many years on peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the Middle East. It is particularly involved in the region through its good offices, contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the promotion of economic development.

The Middle East conflict has been going on for decades and remains one of the most intractable conflicts in the international arena. The escalation of violence in recent days has caused international concern and calls for a ceasefire are growing.