SIG President praises Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis

He is committed to the Geneva Conventions, humanitarian aid in Gaza and peace. Much is done discreetly and is not always visible. Cassis had gained an impression of the situation on the ground - which is important. Friedländer had emphasized that otherwise there was a risk of condemning actions without knowing exactly what had happened.

Friedländer rejected criticism of Cassis for failing to publicly condemn alleged violations of international law by Israel. Cassis had not spoken out in a specific case - the accusation that Israeli soldiers had shot at Palestinians queuing for food - because he lacked reliable information. Friedländer defended this approach and emphasized that in war situations, all parties tend to spread narratives that do not correspond to the facts.

As a former employee of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for many years, Friedländer described the Federal Council's restraint as a strength. "It makes sense, because you often get further with other countries if you don't show them up in public," Friedländer explained.

Public criticism of Cassis

On 27 May, over 100 organizations and personalities - including former Federal Councillors Micheline Calmy-Rey and Ruth Dreifuss - appealed to Federal Councillor Cassis in an open letter to do more to protect international law in Gaza. Among other things, they called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages and a clear public statement on the situation in Gaza.

As the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland bears a special responsibility and must not remain silent in the face of "systematic violations of international law and basic humanity", the letter states. The Federal Council must review its Middle East policy and be publicly accountable.