Switzerland Says Conditions Remain Unmet for Recognizing Palestine
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stated on Monday that the conditions required to recognize Palestine have not yet been fulfilled, emphasizing the necessity of a permanent ceasefire and a stable government.
During a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern, Keller-Sutter responded to a question from Anadolu:
"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 of Palestine could happen eventually when all conditions are met, including the establishment of a stable government and holding elections.
"Recognition may come one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on."
On Genocide Claims in Gaza
When asked if Switzerland believes the genocide criteria have been met in Gaza, Keller-Sutter stated:
"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 noted that the determination of genocide would be made by international courts.
Zurich Canton’s Decision on Gaza's Wounded Children
Regarding the recent refusal by Zurich canton to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, Keller-Sutter clarified that such decisions are within the authority of the cantons, not the federal government.
"It’s up to cantons to decide."
Summary: Switzerland maintains that key conditions like a permanent ceasefire and stable governance must be met before recognizing Palestine, while condemning violations by all parties and respecting cantonal autonomy in humanitarian decisions.