The Swiss government on Sunday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza in order to relieve the suffering of local civilians and to guarantee humanitarian access.
"Rocket fire by Hamas as well as Israeli military operations must stop in order to put an end to the suffering inflicted on civilian populations," the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The cessation of hostilities must guarantee the immediate reopening of all Gaza crossing points and the lifting of the blockade in order to allow rapid delivery of humanitarian aid in the form of aid workers, food, emergency medical aid and fuels," the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry also protests the denial by Israeli authorities of access to Gaza by an emergency medical team of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
"Although all conditions have been met since last Friday, access to the Gaza Strip continues to be refused," it said.
It also urged all parties in the conflict to respect strictly the provisions of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilian populations, access to victims and the law of proportionate response.