Switzerland says conditions remain unmet for recognizing Palestine

Switzerland Says Conditions Remain Unmet for Recognizing Palestine

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stated on Monday that the necessary conditions for recognizing Palestine have not yet been fulfilled. She emphasized the importance of a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of a stable government.

During a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern, Keller-Sutter responded to a question from Anadolu, saying:

"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 noted that recognition could happen in the future when these conditions, including stable governance and elections, are met:

"Recognition may come one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on."

Response on Gaza and Genocide Criteria

When asked if Switzerland considers the genocide criteria met in Gaza, Keller-Sutter said Switzerland condemns all violations of international law. She added:

"Switzerland condemns every violation of international law. So we condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas."

She pointed out that the determination of genocide will be made by international courts:

"If there is a genocide or not, will be decided by international courts."

Zurich Canton's Decision on Gaza Children

Regarding Zurich canton's recent refusal to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, the President clarified that such decisions are under cantonal jurisdiction, not federal authority:

"It's up to cantons to decide."

This highlights the decentralized nature of these humanitarian decisions within Switzerland.

Swiss President Keller-Sutter emphasized that Palestine’s recognition depends on peace, hostage returns, and stable governance, while humanitarian decisions rest with the cantons.

Anadolu Ajansı — 2025-11-04