Caritas demands consequences in Swiss foreign policy and increased pressure for humanitarian access

“More than 1.2 million people in Lebanon are forced to leave their homes to escape the violence,” says Martin Hiltbrunner, Head of Humanitarian Programmes at Caritas Switzerland. In the south of the country and in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Israeli army is increasingly issuing evacuation orders. Staff on the ground report ongoing fighting, destroyed infrastructure, and massive displacement. “The civilian population is particularly affected, and access to humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly difficult.”

In recent weeks, more than 1200 civilians and 51 healthcare workers have been killed in the attacks.

Tense humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

Also in the Gaza Strip, the supply situation remains critical: Access to essential relief goods is severely restricted, with only about 340 trucks crossing the border each week in March. To meet the needs of the civilian population, 3000 would be required. Due to Iranian attacks on Israel, a partner organization of Caritas Switzerland was only able to bring 26 truckloads to Gaza in March, compared to 95 in February.

At the same time, the situation in the West Bank is escalating. Members of the Caritas network report a drastic increase in violence by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian civilian population. The UN documented 150 such attacks in March.

Concrete demands to the Federal Council

“The Swiss government must clearly name the violence against civilians and blockages of humanitarian aid. Its humanitarian tradition obliges it to do so,” says Martin Hiltbrunner. “Neutrality does not mean looking away. When international law is violated, a clear stance and determined action are needed.”

Caritas criticizes the hesitant response of the international community and also demands a more active role from the Federal Council. Switzerland should employ all diplomatic, legal, political, and economic means to work towards ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected again.

Additionally, the Federal Council should consistently exclude the export of goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes (dual- use) to the region. “This can prevent Switzerland from contributing to the war,” says Hiltbrunner. Caritas Switzerland appeals to the Federal Council to fulfil its responsibility and consistently advocate for the protection of the civilian population and the upholding of international law.

New emergency relief project in Lebanon financed by Glückskette

Caritas Switzerland has been active in Lebanon since 2012. The programmes range from acute emergency relief to long-term development cooperation, especially in education, livelihood, and income promotion.

Since the renewed escalation of violence in 2024, the focus has increased on humanitarian aid. Caritas and its local partner organizations are currently providing people with water, food, blankets, and mattresses, and ensuring medical and psychological support through mobile clinics and health centres. An emergency relief programme financed by Glückskette complements the currently running acute relief measures.

Gaza Strip and West Bank

In the Gaza Strip, Caritas Switzerland supports two partner organizations in humanitarian aid, partially financed by Glückskette. They provide tents, blankets, food, and cash aid, so the affected people can meet their most urgent needs themselves, and support especially children and vulnerable people with psychosocial assistance. The partner organizations of Caritas Switzerland are also active in the West Bank.

Press contact:
Niels Jost, Media Spokesperson Caritas Switzerland
medien@caritas.ch
076 233 45 04
We are pleased to arrange an interview with Wael Darwish, Director Middle East at Caritas
Switzerland, in Beirut.

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Caritas Schweiz / Photographer: Jano Fadlallah