International Response

Switzerland condemns Israeli military actions in Lebanon

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-07-14 11:05

GENEVA, July 13 -- Switzerland on Thursday condemned Israel's "disproportional" military actions in Lebanon, expressing concerns that those actions could ignite a regional conflict.

"Even if the aggression by Hizbollah on the Israeli border can be condemned, Israel's reply should remain strictly proportional and not threaten a non-hostile neighboring state," the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it welcomed the Lebanese government's actions to try to find a solution to the crisis.

It also called on all parties involved to end the "destructive escalation" which threatened to turn into a regional conflict with potentially devastating effects on the local population.

The Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday also expressed its grave concern about the escalating violence between Israel and Hizbollah, which has caused dozens of civilian deaths.

In the meanwhile, the ICRC urged Israel to respect the rules of international humanitarian law, both in Lebanon and in Gaza Strip.

"In particular, in the conduct of hostilities, Israel must take all precautions to spare civilian life and property. It must also ensure that the wounded have access to medical facilities," it said in a statement.