Calls for peace and other signs of solidarity with the victims of the conflict in the Middle East are increasing in Switzerland one year after the massacre committed by Hamas. The ICRC and the Evangelical Reformed Church expressed themselves along these lines on Sunday.
After some 4,000 people demonstrated their support for the Palestinian people on Saturday evening in Basel and before rallies organized by the Jewish community in memory of the victims of the October 7 attack on Sunday in Geneva and Bern, the ICRC recalls that “the human suffering knows no borders” and once again calls on all parties to respect the dignity of all those affected by this conflict.
Over the past year, the region has been the scene of large-scale devastation and dehumanization, the ICRC said in a statement on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross remains firmly committed to continuing to provide vital services and emphasizes the need to be granted safe and unhindered access by all parties.
Civilians have been reduced to numbers, their individuality erased by divergent rhetoric around the conflict. But behind the numbers there are people. As human beings, they have rights, they must be protected, be able to receive humanitarian assistance and rebuild their lives in complete safety.
The ICRC also renews its call on all parties to immediately fulfill their responsibilities under international humanitarian law. By complying with them, the parties to the conflict can alleviate human suffering and progress towards a more stable and peaceful future, underlines the ICRC.
Peace is not wishful thinking
Also in a press release on Sunday, the Evangelical Reformed Church (EERS) affirms that its thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy, whatever their origin or religion. “The people who suffer are human beings, not representatives of nations or political ideologies,” writes the EERS.
“Let us be careful that this conflict does not take an ideological turn, and does not threaten our peace and the common consensus of opposing violence, defending human rights and helping those in need. of our help”, adds the Protestant Church. With its partners in the Middle East, it wants to contribute to healing and reconciliation wherever possible.
Peace must not remain a pious wish. For this, we need people who, wherever they are, put themselves at the service of peace, affirms the EERS.
Commemorations
Monday is commemorated the first anniversary of the Hamas attack which left nearly 1,200 dead that day, and, since then, more than 41,800 in the Gaza Strip as well as more than 2,000 in Lebanon. Without forgetting the hostages kidnapped on October 7, dozens of whom are still in the hands of Hamas terrorists.
The Switzerland-Israel association has planned an evening of remembrance on Monday at the Montbenon casino in Lausanne. The Palestine Action Collective is calling on him to demonstrate once again on Wednesday in Neuchâtel. For its part, the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (FSCI) is organizing a commemoration Monday evening in Zurich.
And starting this Sunday, a week of action is being organized in Geneva by Collective 7 – Switzerland, which is demanding the release of hostages captured by Hamas.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
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