Local statement on the execution of three prisoners in Gaza on 6 April 2017

07.04.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Heads of Mission of Switzerland and Norway, The European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission  in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement:

The Swiss and EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn death sentences issued in Gaza

22.02.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

The Head of Mission of Switzerland, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

The FDFA reaffirms its support for a two-state solution

09.02.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) notes that the adoption by the Israeli parliament on Monday 6 February 2017 of a law aimed at legalising under Israeli law the building of homes, and in particular the building of numerous outposts, on private Palestinian land in the occupied Palestinian territory makes the prospect of a two-state solution, which the FDFA advocates, even more difficult.

Switzerland Supports Core UNRWA Programmes and Makes Additional Contribution to Emergency Response in the occupied Palestinian territory

02.02.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Swiss Confederation, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed a multi-year agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) totaling CHF 75.5 million (approximately US$ 73.7 million) that will go towards the Agency’s core programmes and services – including education, health care, relief and social services and protection – over the 2017-2020 period.  This agreement comes shortly after Switzerland’s additional contribution of CHF 1.35 million (approximately US$ 1.32 million) in December 2016 to the UNRWA Emergency Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) to support the Agency’s temporary shelter cash assistance programme in Gaza and protection interventions in the West Bank.

The Swiss and the EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn death sentences issued in Gaza

26.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Head of Mission of Switzerland in Ramallah, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

FDFA: Israeli government’s decision to build new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory regrettable

25.01.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 25.01.2017 - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) considers regrettable the decision of the Israeli government taken on 24 January 2017 to authorise the planning and construction of 2,500 new houses in the occupied Palestinian territory.    

Paris Conference: Switzerland committed to renewed prospects for a political solution in the Middle East

13.01.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 13.01.2017 - Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will take part on Sunday in the Paris Ministerial Conference on Peace in the Middle East. Organised by France, the conference will bring together some 70 states and international organisations with the aim of relaunching the peace process and maintaining the prospect of the two-state solution.     

Assistance for Palestinian refugees in 2017-2020

12.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Swiss Government approved a four-year contribution (2017-2020) to the Programme Budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for a total amount of CHF 78.5 Mio. Through this unearmarked and predictable contribution, Switzerland renews its support to UNRWA’s core mandate in servicing five million Palestine refugees through education, healthcare, social services and protection.

The Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) supports the Palestinian Population, Housing, and Establishment Census 2017

05.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) signed a new agreement with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) amounting to CHF 1.25 million to support the Palestinian Population, Housing, and Establishment Census 2017.

The Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) launches a new CHF 8 million program to strengthen local governance in the West Bank Villages

05.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) launches a new Swiss program of CHF 8 million to strengthen local governance in the rural West Bank Villages. The first phase of the program totals CHF 4.2 million for 2016-2020. The first agreement was signed with the Palestinian Authority amounts CHF 3.03 million to support the delivery of local basic services through the Municipal Development & Lending Fund. The second agreement was signed with the German International Cooperation amounting CHF 850’000.

Switzerland to maintain assistance for Palestinian refugees in 2017-2020 period

21.12.2016 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 21.12.2016 - The Federal Council decided at its meeting of 21 December 2016 to maintain its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) over the coming four year period. The funding provided by Switzerland is primarily intended to help improve the access of the affected population to education, healthcare and social services. In this way Switzerland helps to improve prospects for the future, to reduce the risk of radicalisation among young Palestinians, and to support greater stability in the region. The funds also provide UNRWA with greater security in its budget planning.

Local Statement on administrative detention of Palestinians in Israeli prisons

08.12.2016 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The European Union Representative, the EU Heads of Mission and the Heads of Mission of Switzerland and Norway in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

Escalation of violence in Jerusalem: Switzerland reiterates call for calm to all parties

10.05.2021 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. On 3 May, the FDFA called for calm in these fragile times, and today calls again on all parties to take immediate action to defuse the tension.

FDFA calls for Palestinian elections to be held without further delay

05.05.2021 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
The FDFA notes with regret the decision to postpone the Palestinian legislative and presidential elections, scheduled for 22 May and 31 July. Holding these elections is essential to restore the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions, re-establish Palestinian political unity and preserve a two-state solution. Switzerland calls for restraint during this volatile period and for a date for the elections to be set as soon as possible.

Switzerland condemns arrests and violence in Gaza

19.03.2019 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland condemns the campaign of arrests and violence used by Hamas security forces against peaceful protesters in Gaza over the past days.

My Rights, Our Power: A Joint Campaign Launched in Palestine to Raise Awareness on Women’s Fundamental Human Rights

01.03.2019 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
1 March 2019, Ramallah, On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), a week-long joint campaign “My Rights, Our Power” was launched today in Palestine to raise awareness on women’s fundamental human rights. The joint effort, with participation from over 30 national and international partners from civil society organizations, media outlets, and international development agencies, targets youth, women, and men in various geographic areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to promote women’s human rights in Palestine.

Switzerland condemns the violence in Gaza

15.05.2018 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is monitoring with concern the ongoing 'Great March of Return' demonstrations in the Gaza Strip and condemns Israel's use of force, which has already resulted in dozens of deaths, including children, and thousands of wounded.

Unacceptable remarks on the causes of the Holocaust and the legitimacy of Israel: Switzerland’s response

04.05.2018 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 03.05.2018 - Switzerland supports the statement issued by the United Nations concerning Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s opening speech at the Palestinian National Council.

Violent confrontations in Gaza: Switzerland supports UN Secretary-General's call for independent inquiry

31.03.2018 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 31.03.2018 - The recent escalation shows the need to revitalise peace negotiations. Switzerland is working for just and lasting peace on the basis of a negotiated two-state solution.                

FDFA clarifies Switzerland's position following announcement of recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israeli state by US president on 6 December 2017

07.12.2017 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland considers that, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 478, any solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on a comprehensive and negotiated agreement on the final status of Jerusalem which respects the rights and aspirations of all concerned parties.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann to pay a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the theme of innovation

27.10.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 26.10.2017 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann will travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory between 27 and 30 October accompanied by representatives from the fields of science and business. The focus of the economic mission is on innovation, which is a theme of common interest to the scientific and economic delegation, with an emphasis on digitalisation.

The FDFA condemns executions in Gaza

11.04.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 10.04.2017 - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the execution of three people by the de facto authorities in Gaza on 6 April 2017. In recent months, the FDFA has contacted the competent authorities in Gaza on several occasions with a view to preventing a resumption of this practice.    

The Swiss and EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn death sentences issued in Gaza

22.02.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

The Head of Mission of Switzerland, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

The FDFA reaffirms its support for a two-state solution

09.02.2017 — Press releases Occupied Palestinian territory

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) notes that the adoption by the Israeli parliament on Monday 6 February 2017 of a law aimed at legalising under Israeli law the building of homes, and in particular the building of numerous outposts, on private Palestinian land in the occupied Palestinian territory makes the prospect of a two-state solution, which the FDFA advocates, even more difficult.

Inside Gaza – a day in the life of humanitarian workers

20.05.2024 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

In view of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland allocated CHF 90 million (close to USD 102 million) in humanitarian aid, including CHF 81 million to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The funds were disbursed in 2023 to the International Committee of the Red Cross, various United Nations agencies and Swiss non-governmental organisations in the medical sector.

While most people are familiar with the concept of humanitarian aid, understanding what it looks like in practice is another story. In order to shine a light on the realities of delivering humanitarian aid in crisis situations, the Swiss Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank is publishing a series of blogs based on testimonies from humanitarian workers. 

Joint Statement

10.05.2024 — Position Occupied Palestinian territory
UNRWA - Local statement by the European Union Representative, EU Member State, and likeminded Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah

Inside Gaza - a day in the life of humanitarian workers

09.05.2024 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

In view of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland allocated CHF 90 million (close to USD 102 million) in humanitarian aid, including CHF 81 million to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The funds were disbursed in 2023 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), various United Nations agencies and Swiss non-governmental organisations in the medical sector.

While most people are familiar with the concept of humanitarian aid, understanding what it looks like in practice is another story. In order to shine a light on the realities of delivering humanitarian aid in crisis situations, the Swiss Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank is publishing a series of blogs based on testimonies from humanitarian workers. 

Inside Gaza - a day in the life of humanitarian workers #2

29.04.2024 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

In view of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland allocated CHF 90 million (close to USD 102 million) in humanitarian aid, including CHF 81 million to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The funds were disbursed in 2023 to the International Committee of the Red Cross, various United Nations agencies and Swiss non-governmental organisations in the medical sector.

While most people are familiar with the concept of humanitarian aid, understanding what it looks like in practice is another story. In order to shine a light on the realities of delivering humanitarian aid in crisis situations, the Swiss Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank is publishing a series of blogs based on testimonies from humanitarian workers. 

Inside Gaza – a day in the life of humanitarian workers #1

19.04.2024 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

In view of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland allocated CHF 90 million (close to USD 102 million) in humanitarian aid, including CHF 81 million to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The funds were disbursed in 2023 to the International Committee of the Red Cross, various United Nations agencies and Swiss non-governmental organisations in the medical sector.

While most people are familiar with the concept of humanitarian aid, understanding what it looks like in practice is another story. In order to shine a light on the realities of delivering humanitarian aid in crisis situations, the Swiss Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank is publishing a series of blogs based on testimonies from humanitarian workers. 

Tender announcement: pARTicipate! Empowered communities through art and culture in the oPt

26.02.2024 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through its Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank seeks the services of a competent organisation or consortium to develop and implement a new project "pARTicipate! Empowered communities through art and culture in the oPt". The project will enhance community participation, strengthen local heritage and foster social cohesion and dialogue among citizens, and between citizens and local authorities in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

Joint Statement

15.12.2023 — Position Occupied Palestinian territory
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom call on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank. 

Gaza humanitarian crisis: Switzerland releases CHF 90 million in aid for the region

22.11.2023 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
In view of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland will allocate CHF 90 million (close to USD 102 million) in humanitarian aid to the Near East. CHF 70 million will be disbursed in the oPt and CHF 20 million in the region. 

Tender announcement: Fostering cultural and creative industries in the oPt

05.09.2023 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through its Cooperation Office Gaza & West Bank seeks the services of a competent organisation to develop and implement a new SDC programme "fostering cultural and creative industries in the occupied Palestinian territory". The programme will benefit emerging artists, artist collectives and established institutions and aims to promote innovative business models, diversify cultural services and enhance the economic resilience of the sector.

Supporting inclusive economic opportunities and economic resilience in the Gaza Strip

12.07.2023 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The governments of Switzerland and Norway, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, launched the Gaza Economic Resilience Programme aiming to promote jobs and foster growth of the private sector in Gaza. 

WHO Right to Health Report 2022: Duty bearers must grant unhindered access to health facilities

05.06.2023 — Article Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland contributes to the World Health Organization`s (WHO) advocacy efforts and renews its commitment to a human rights based approach to health.

Bridges to Growth: Gazan IT Talents Join Swiss Start-Ups and Research Labs

16.05.2023 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
April 8, 2023 marks a milestone for Ameer, Basem, Khaled, Mohammed and Nizar - five young and ambitious data science entrepreneurs from the Gaza Strip - as they embark on a life-changing journey to Switzerland. For the coming four months, these talented individuals are getting exposure to an international working environment as interns in Swiss start-ups and research laboratories at prestigious universities in Lausanne and Fribourg.