Diplomacy Council of Europe Secretary General Berset condemns terrorism in the Middle East

In his new role as Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset has condemned terrorism in the Middle East. The former Federal Councillor paid tribute to the innocent victims on all sides and called for the immediate release of the hostages still being held in Gaza.

Berset was quoted in a Council of Europe communiqué on Monday as saying that the Hamas attack had triggered an enormous wave of suffering. He also called for an immediate ceasefire, which would pave the way for a just and lasting peace. This is what the people in this region have deserved for so many years.

The conflict had put democracy to the test, said Berset. Anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim acts had increased and society was on the brink of a dangerous division. Europe must unite around its democratic values.

The Council of Europe will not shy away from the dangers of extremism and will not accept hatred or fear, it continued. Discrimination in all its forms must continue to be combated.

One year ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. Around 1,200 people were killed and almost 5,500 injured. More than 200 people were deported to the Gaza Strip. According to the human rights organization Amnesty International, around 100 hostages are still being held.

Since the attack, the Israeli army has been waging war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, 42,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip so far.

Former Federal Councillor Alain Berset was elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe on June 25. He took office on September 18.

SDA