Switzerland States Conditions for Recognizing Palestine Are Unmet
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasized on Monday that Switzerland has not yet met the conditions required to recognize Palestine. She highlighted the need for a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of a stable government.
"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 could happen “one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on.”
On Conflict and Legal Assessment
When asked whether Switzerland considers the situation in Gaza to meet genocide criteria, Keller-Sutter responded that Switzerland condemns all violations of international law. She noted condemnation of both the Israeli military response and Hamas’s terrorist attacks.
"Switzerland condemns every violation of international law. So we condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas."
She further stated that the question of genocide will ultimately be determined by international courts.
Zurich Canton’s Medical Care Decision
Regarding Zurich canton's refusal to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical aid, she clarified that such decisions are made by the cantonal authorities, not by the federal government.
"It's up to cantons to decide."
Summary
Switzerland maintains that key conditions like a permanent ceasefire, return of hostages, and stable governance must be met before recognizing Palestine, while affirming international law governs assessments of the conflict.