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Swiss division director Patrick Gauchat (55) is very close to the Middle East conflict in Israel. He heads the peacekeeping mission UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organization).
On the morning of October 7, Gauchat was visited by the head of the Swiss army. “Thomas Süssli visited us to inspect our mission’s activities in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.” Gauchat subsequently learned about the attacks through the UN system and the UNTSO security department, as well as through the media. “The events have surprised and shocked us all,” Gauchat told Blick.
Twelve Swiss on site
Under Gauchat’s leadership, 153 military observers from 28 countries monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Syria and between Israel and Lebanon. Among them are twelve Swiss military observers; their headquarters are in Jerusalem.
UNTSO personnel are neither present in the Gaza Strip nor in southern Israel and therefore have not observed any signs of the escalation of the conflict that has been simmering for years, Gauchat said. So far, no one has been threatened, kidnapped or injured by the mission.
Conflict-experienced observer
Gauchat was appointed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (74) and is responsible for carrying out the tasks decided by the Security Council under the ceasefire agreements in the Middle East. He is the first Swiss to lead the organization.
He has previously experienced war situations in Syria, uprisings in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also tensions in Panmunjom and nuclear and missile tests on the Korean Peninsula. “These experiences have helped me assess the development situation in Gaza.”
The United Nations and others are working to ensure de-escalation, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. In its 75-year history, UNTSO has always maintained its presence there – with the unarmed peacekeepers – even in previous wars and other difficult times. “UNTSO will fulfill its mandate as long as it is able to do so,” Gauchat said of the current situation.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
