Switzerland is particularly appalled by the physical violence directed against journalists, women, children and staff from human rights organizations and the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR).

The freedoms of speech, of the press and of peaceful assembly are guaranteed by the international conventions ratified by the Palestinian Authority and should be ensured throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The people of Gaza have the right to protest against the dire living conditions in Gaza without fear of reprisal.

We call on the PA to halt economic measures affecting the population of the Gaza strip and encourage the Palestinian factions to re-engage in earnest reconciliation talks in order to implement the Cairo Agreement (2017) in full. Switzerland considers that the full resumption of government control by the PA in Gaza is a necessary requirement for the durable stabilization of Gaza. We stand ready to support Palestinian reconciliation efforts as well as other efforts to mitigate tensions and relieve the suffering of the people in Gaza.