Switzerland concerned over calls for violence, escalation amid tensions in occupied West Bank

Switzerland on Friday expressed concern over statements by several parties to the conflict calling for violence or escalation amid rising tensions in the occupied West Bank. A spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) told Anadolu in a statement that Switzerland was calling on all sides to exercise "maximum restraint" and avoid steps that could further intensify violence. Bern is "concerned by statements from several parties to the conflict calling for violence or escalation," the statement said. Asked about reports that Israel was preparing for a possible closure of the entire occupied West Bank following a shooting attack near Hebron, the FDFA said: "Any security measures must be proportionate and respect international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law." "As the occupying power, Israel is obligated to protect the civilian population and guarantee access to essential services and humanitarian aid," it added. The spokesperson also expressed concern over violence in the Hebron area ahead of Israeli elections and condemned attacks against civilians and security forces. The Israeli army claimed Friday that two soldiers had been killed and three others seriously wounded in a shooting attack in Hebron, a city in the southern occupied West Bank. The army's statement came hours after two Palestinians were killed in a shootout with Israeli forces following allegations that they had opened fire at Israeli occupiers in Hebron, wounding five. Following the reported shooting, the Israeli army announced a full closure of Hebron and several surrounding towns. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has witnessed an escalation in Israeli military operations and occupier attacks since Israel launched its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The attacks have included the killing and arrest of Palestinians, the demolition of homes and other structures, the burning of mosques and vehicles, the destruction of agricultural land, farmers being prevented from accessing their fields, and the displacement of Palestinian communities, alongside illegal settlement expansion.