Public service Switzerland expresses concern about escalation in Lebanon

Switzerland has expressed its "deep concern" about the escalation of violence in Lebanon. In a statement published on Platform X on Tuesday, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to cease hostilities immediately.

International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected. Switzerland calls for dialog and de-escalation, according to the statement from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Israel's military has launched a ground offensive in the fight against the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Soldiers crossed the border to the neighboring country in the north on Tuesday night, according to the army.

The scope of the military operation initially remained unclear. Israel wants to enable the return of 60,000 Israelis who have been displaced from areas along the northern border by Hezbollah attacks for months. The Israeli military has been massively attacking targets in the neighboring country for days.

No Swiss reported injured so far

Around 1,200 Swiss nationals abroad are registered at the Swiss embassy in Lebanon, the FDFA said in response to a request from the Keystone-SDA news agency. Around 90 people have also registered for a stay in Lebanon on the Travel Admin app. The FDFA is not yet aware of any Swiss nationals who have been injured, the statement continued.

In general, the FDFA advises against travel to Lebanon. In addition, since July 31, 2024, the department has been recommending that people leave the country by their own means. The FDFA does not carry out organized departures of Swiss nationals, it said. The decision to leave a crisis region is made voluntarily, at the departing person's own risk and expense.

Meanwhile, the FDFA helpline is available around the clock. All Swiss representations in the region are still operational. Their staff are in good health, the statement continued. Like all Swiss representations abroad, the representations in the Middle East also have security and crisis plans in place. These are reviewed and adapted on an ongoing basis.

The Swiss Armed Forces personnel deployed as peacekeepers as part of the Untso mission (United Nations Organization to monitor the ceasefire in the Middle East) are also in good health. They are at protected locations, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) announced this afternoon via Platform X.

SDA