Pro-Palestine rally in Geneva draws 300 supporters
Keystone / Martial Trezzini
Around 300 people gathered in Geneva on Saturday to show support for the Palestinian people, as clashes between the Israeli army and Hamas intensify.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ac
The rally was organised by the group Collectif Urgence Palestine. The demonstrators denounced the Israeli policy against the Palestinians, calling the Israeli state a murderer and a criminal. One speaker referred to the year 1948 when “Nakba” (catastrophe” in Arabic) led to 700,000 Palestinians being driven from their land.
“How long will Israel continue to go unpunished? How long will we have to accept the colonisation of Palestinian territories by Israeli settlers?,” said another speaker as she denounced a policy of apartheid and ethnic cleansing carried out since 1948.
Senator and Social Democrat politician Carlo Sommaruga was also present at the event. He condemned the renewed tension in the region and called for a break with the dominant discourse of the Israeli state.
“Gaza is an open-air prison and we cannot only condemn the violence of Hamas,” he said.
A demonstration also took place in the city of Basel. Around 200 people assembled chanting slogans calling for freedom for Palestine.
Swiss reaction
Switzerland first expressed its concerns about the situation last Sunday, appealing for calm. A statement released by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on Wednesday evening reiterated its call on all parties to respect their obligations under international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and to protect the civilian population and infrastructure.
“Switzerland is convinced that only a two-state solution negotiated by both parties in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters, including UN Security Council resolutions, can lead to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” the statement continued.
As the conflict intensified, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis called for an immediate end to the violence.
“The escalation of violence in the Middle East must stop immediately. Switzerland calls on all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” he said on Twitter on Thursday.
Polish climber dies near Zermatt after falling into crevasse
This content was published on
A Polish mountaineer died on Sunday after falling into a crevasse on the Monte Rosa glacier in the Swiss resort of Zermatt.
This content was published on
Production in Switzerland's secondary sector fell in the second quarter of 2025. The decline was more pronounced in the construction sector than for industry.
Swiss army recruits remain in hospital after gruelling test exercise
This content was published on
Four potential recruits for the elite Swiss grenadier unit were hospitalised last week after taking part in a gruelling exercise in hot weather. Three remain in hospital with one placed temporarily in an artificial coma.
University of Basel to mark 125th anniversary of Nietzsche’s death
This content was published on
This month the University of Basel is celebrating the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who was a professor there from 1869 to 1879. August 25th marks the 125th anniversary of his death.
Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff
This content was published on
Swiss brands like Victorinox, the manufacturer of the iconic pocket knife, are struggling to adapt to the 39% tariff imposed by the United States on imports of Swiss goods.
Fish and aquatic plants are under ‘severe pressure’ in Swiss rivers and lakes
This content was published on
Fish, aquatic plants and other animals in Swiss rivers, lakes and streams remain under 'severe pressure', according to the Federal Office for the Environment.
Swatch withdraws ‘slanted eyes’ ad after China uproar
This content was published on
The Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch has apologised and withdrawn an advertising campaign worldwide following accusations of racism in China. The ad features a model pulling the corners of his eyes.
Police identify bodies of three climbers who died in Swiss Alps
This content was published on
Police have formally identified the bodies of three climbers who died in the Upper Valais region in early August: they are from Germany, France and Austria.
Bern exhibition reunites Kirchner paintings after 92 years
This content was published on
The painting Sonntag der Bergbauern (Alpsonntag) [Sunday of the Mountain Farmers (Alp Sunday) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) is being transferred from Berlin to Bern to feature in an upcoming exhibition at Kunstmuseum Bern.
Voters approve extension of Engadine Airport in Switzerland
This content was published on
Residents in the Upper Engadine region gave the greenlight on Sunday to the expansion of the regional airport at Samedan, one of Europe’s highest airports (1,707 metres) that serves the nearby resorts of St Moritz and Davos.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland’s delicate stances on Israel
This content was published on
Switzerland, one of the first countries to recognize the state of Israel, is alarmed by the level of violence in Gaza Strip.
Swiss urge Palestinians to hold elections “as soon as possible”
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has called on all parties to resume efforts to “ensure free, inclusive and transparent elections”.
It helps to be Swiss, says new boss of Palestinian refugee agency
This content was published on
We talk to Philippe Lazzarini, new Swiss boss of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, about coronavirus and his plans to restore trust.
Memorial marks 50th anniversary of Switzerland’s worst terror attack
This content was published on
The participants, including Ruedi Berlinger, co-organiser of the memorial event and son of the flight captain killed in the crash, laid wreaths and burned 47 candles. On February 21, 1970, Switzerland was shaken when Swissair 330 bound for Tel Aviv crashed shortly after take-off from Zurich, killing everyone on board: 38 passengers and nine crew.…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.