Switzerland 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 importance of a permanent ceasefire and a stable government before such recognition can occur.
Conditions for Recognition
Responding to Anadolu's question during a press conference with the Foreign Press Association in Bern, Keller-Sutter said:
"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 "may come one day… when the conditions are fulfilled, but there must also be really a stable government, elections and so on."
Switzerland's Position on Gaza
Regarding whether the genocide criteria have been met in Gaza, Keller-Sutter remarked:
"Switzerland condemns every violation of international law. So we condemned the disproportionate intervention of Israel, as well as the terrorist attack of Hamas."
She noted that the determination of genocide will be made by international courts.
Zurich Canton’s Decision on Gaza Children
When asked about Zurich canton's recent refusal to accept wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, Keller-Sutter clarified:
"It's up to cantons to decide."
The decision falls under cantonal, not federal, authority.
Author’s Summary
Switzerland awaits key conditions like a permanent ceasefire and stable governance before recognizing Palestine, maintaining neutrality on international legal judgments.