Switzerland alarmed by escalating violence in Gaza, Israel

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Switzerland is alarmed by escalating violence in Gaza and Israel, its Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

"Switzerland is deeply alarmed and condemns the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel," it wrote on Twitter. "Civilians must be protected at all times. We are in contact with all sides to urge them to respect international humanitarian law and restore calm.”

"De-escalation is urgently needed," it added.

Palestinian factions fired a barrage of rockets Wednesday into Israel amid tensions following Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

At least 21 Palestinians were killed and 64 injured in the airstrikes, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The Israeli army said airstrikes were part of Operation Shield and Arrow in response to rocket fire from Gaza following the death last week of a Palestinian who was on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison.

At least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of 2023, according to Palestinian figures. Nineteen Israelis have been killed in separate attacks during the same period.