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 necessity of a permanent ceasefire and a stable government.
Requirements for Recognition
Responding to Anadolu's question, 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 further 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."
Swiss Position on Gaza Conflict
Keller-Sutter addressed whether Switzerland believes the genocide criteria have been met in Gaza:
"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, "If there is a genocide or not, will be decided by international courts."
Zurich Canton’s Decision on Gaza Children
Regarding the Zurich canton's recent refusal to admit wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment, the president clarified:
"It's up to cantons to decide."
She stressed that such decisions belong to cantonal, not federal, jurisdiction.
Summary
Switzerland maintains that Palestinian recognition depends on peace conditions, stable governance, and legal determinations on the Gaza conflict, while cantons handle local humanitarian decisions.