Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis faced protests over his perceived pro-Israeli stance during an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, held in front of the UN's Geneva Office on Monday. The event, organized by the Swiss Foreign Ministry, saw the participation of UN Security Council officials, country representatives in Geneva, and various Swiss officials. As Cassis took to the podium to deliver his speech, approximately 100 protesters began chanting slogans, waving Palestinian flags, and criticizing the Swiss government for allegedly supporting Israel amid its ongoing attacks in Gaza. Protesters chanted in English and French, calling Cassis a "collaborator" and shouting "Shame on you." Some demonstrators lay on the ground to symbolize the civilian casualties in Gaza, while others held banners with messages such as "Cassis has blood on his hands," "Resign," and "Stop the genocide." Steve Lemercier, one of the protesters, expressed frustration, saying, "We are here today to protest Cassis, who supports the genocide against Palestinians. The situation in Gaza is dire, and we want Switzerland to recognize Palestine." Israel's ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip has continued following an October 7 attack by Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The conflict has led to over 40,400 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and more than 93,500 injuries, according to local health authorities. Israel is facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered a halt to military operations in Rafah, a southern city where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before it was invaded in early May. — Agencies
