Published on 29 September 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–The Occupied Palestinian Territory

The Occupied Palestinian Territory is one of the priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation within the framework of the FDFA's development programmes.

Switzerland's priorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Switzerland pays particular attention to developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It supports maintaining a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It contributes to efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the Middle East, including a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-State solution. It supports the implementation, in accordance with international law, of the Gaza Peace Plan and the New York Declaration. Strict respect for international humanitarian law, including rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and the protection of civilians, as well as regional de-escalation and dialogue, are among Switzerland's priorities. Since November 2023, Switzerland has allocated some CHF 200 million to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, of which approximately CHF 170 million for humanitarian aid.

Treaty database

News ticker and statements by Switzerland since 7 October 2023

Promotion de la paix et sécurité humaine

Switzerland is committed to a settlement of the conflict based on the two-State solution, in accordance with international law. It also strives to improve the rule of law, governance and respect for international law through functioning Palestinian institutions. On 26 November 2025, the Federal Council adopted a package of measures and financial provisions aimed at supporting the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in general, as well as the civilian population of Gaza in particular. Switzerland is offering its good offices to facilitate an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue.

Switzerland's position on the Middle East conflict

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Switzerland supports local authorities in their efforts to provide essential services to populations in need, such as supplying water in the Gaza Strip, and to respond adequately to the food and educational needs of displaced Palestinians. Switzerland is committed to increasing the resilience of communities in order to reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid and enable their development, particularly through development cooperation.

Employment and new technologies

Switzerland is working with the private sector to create prospects, jobs and income-generating opportunities for young people, mainly in the field of new technologies.

Economic cooperation

Economic relations between Switzerland and the Occupied Palestinian Territory are limited. A free trade agreement was concluded between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in 1999.

In 2025, the volume of bilateral trade stood at CHF 63 million.

Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)

Trade statistics, Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA)

Cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation

Researchers and artists from the Occupied Palestinian Territory can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists

Cultural exchanges

Switzerland regularly takes part in events organised to mark the International Day of La Francophonie and Italian Language Week. It also organises various cultural events.

Swiss citizens in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

In 2026, there were 98 Swiss citizens living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

History of bilateral relations

At the bilateral level, Switzerland does not recognise Palestine as a State, but has maintained relations with the Palestinian Authority since the 1993 Oslo Accords.

Before the establishment of the State of Israel, Switzerland was represented in Palestine by a consulate in Jerusalem and a consular agency in Tel Aviv. Since 1949, it has provided support in particular to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In 1993, Switzerland launched a development programme, complementing its humanitarian aid. As part of the Oslo peace process, Switzerland opened a cooperation office in East Jerusalem in 1994. In 2001, a representative office to the Palestinian Authority was established in Ramallah. Responsibility for cooperation activities was transferred to the representation in 2022 and staff were moved to Ramallah in 2025.

Palestine, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

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