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 emphasized the necessity of a permanent ceasefire, stable governance, and a comprehensive peace plan.
Conditions for Recognition
During a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern, Keller-Sutter responded to a question by Anadolu Ajansı:
"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 might occur in the future, but only when these conditions, including stable government and elections, are met.
Response on Gaza Situation
Regarding whether Switzerland considers the situation in Gaza to meet genocide criteria, Keller-Sutter said:
"Switzerland condemns every violation of international law. So we condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas."
She clarified that the determination of genocide will be made by international courts.
Zurich Canton's Decision on Gaza's Sick Children
Asked about Zurich canton's recent refusal to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, the President explained that such matters are decided at the cantonal level:
"It's up to cantons to decide."
Swiss federal authorities do not override cantonal decisions on such cases.
Summary
Switzerland maintains that recognizing Palestine depends on meeting specific conditions, including peace and stable governance, while condemning violations by both sides in Gaza and respecting cantonal autonomy in humanitarian decisions.
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