Switzerland says conditions remain unmet for recognizing Palestine

Switzerland Says Conditions Remain Unmet for Recognizing Palestine

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter addressed questions about the possibility of Switzerland recognizing Palestine during a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern. She emphasized that key conditions have yet to be satisfied before such recognition can occur.

Conditions for Recognition

Keller-Sutter stated,

"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."

She added that recognition

"may come one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on."

Swiss Position on Gaza and International Law

Regarding the situation in Gaza, Keller-Sutter underscored Switzerland’s stance against violations of international law:

"Switzerland condemns every violation of international law."
"We condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas."

On whether genocide criteria have been met, she said:

"If there is a genocide or not, will be decided by international courts."

Zurich Canton's Decision on Medical Aid

When asked about Zurich canton's refusal to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, President Keller-Sutter clarified the division of authority:

"It's up to cantons to decide."

This highlights that such decisions are made at the cantonal level, not by the federal government.

Summary

Switzerland maintains that recognition of Palestine depends on fulfilled conditions including peace, stable governance, and the return of hostages, while reaffirming its condemnation of international law violations and respecting cantonal autonomy on humanitarian decisions.

Anadolu Ajansı — 2025-11-04