By KUNA,
Geneva : The Swiss Foreign Ministry (SFM) deplored the escalation of violence in Gaza, and a statement issued by the SFM said that it has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
“In order to relieve the suffering of the civilian population and to guarantee humanitarian access, it (the SFM) has requested a durable reopening of crossings into Gaza,” said the statement.
The ministry said cessation of hostilities must guarantee the immediate reopening of all Gaza crossing points and the lifting of the blockade in order to allow rapid delivery of humanitarian aid in the form of aid workers, food, emergency medical aid, and fuels.
In addition, the ministry protested the denial by Israeli authorities of access to Gaza by an emergency medical team of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross).
Although all conditions have been met since last Friday, access to the Gaza Strip continues to be refused.
Via its embassy in Tel-Aviv, the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs is maintaining contact with the competent Israeli authorities in the hope of obtaining this access as soon as possible.
In order to put an end to the suffering inflicted on the civilian population and to immediately stop the dramatic consequences of this conflict, the ministry called upon all parties to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law, including those relating to the protection of civilian populations, access to victims, and the law of proportionate response.