Switzerland calls for an end to Israeli settlements

The FDFA is monitoring with concern the events in East Jerusalem. It deplores the destruction of homes by the Israeli government and the eviction orders imposed on Palestinian families. It calls on the Israeli government not to proceed with the building of new apartments on Palestinian property in the Sheikh Jarrah district. East Jerusalem is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Israel is required by international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of the population.

Switzerland considers that the Israeli settlements and the destruction of houses in the occupied Palestinian territory are a violation of international humanitarian law, which forbids an occupying power to destroy goods in occupied territory or to transfer the civilian population. There is no military necessity that could justify the destruction of these houses or the evictions of Palestinian families.

The continuation of colonisation is incompatible with a genuine peace process which seeks a global and lasting solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Address for enquiries:

Press and Information Service
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: (+41) 031 322 31 53
Fax: (+41) 031 324 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs