Switzerland's Position on Palestine Recognition
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stated on Monday that the conditions for recognizing Palestine have not yet been met. She highlighted the necessity of a permanent ceasefire and a stable government before any recognition could occur.
“We feel that there are some conditions that have to be fulfilled, like all the hostages must return home, and also the dead bodies. There must be a permanent ceasefire, there must be a plan for peace,”
Keller-Sutter responded to a question from Anadolu during a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern, adding that recognition “may come one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on.”
Switzerland’s Stance on Gaza Conflict
When asked whether Switzerland considers the genocide criteria met in Gaza, the president emphasized that Switzerland condemns all violations of international law. This includes both what she described as the disproportionate actions of Israel and the terrorist attacks by Hamas.
“Switzerland condemns every violation of international law. So we condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas.”
Regarding the classification of genocide, Keller-Sutter remarked,
“If there is a genocide or not, will be decided by international courts.”
Zurich Canton’s Decision on Gaza Children
On the issue of Zurich canton refusing to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, Keller-Sutter pointed out that such decisions are made at the cantonal level, not by the federal government.
“It's up to cantons to decide.”
Author’s Summary
Switzerland requires a lasting ceasefire, safe return of hostages, and stable governance before recognizing Palestine, while condemning all breaches of international law in Gaza.