The foreign ministry says it deplores the go-ahead given by the Israeli government to build 1,600 dwellings in the occupied Palestinian territory in East Jerusalem.
This content was published on
1 minute
A statement said Switzerland had asked Israel not to proceed with the project and to halt all forms of “colonisation” in the territory.
It added that Switzerland considers the building of such settlements a violation of international humanitarian law, which forbids an occupying power from transferring any part of its civilian population to an occupied territory.
“The Israeli settlements are a clear violation of international law.”
The ministry said the approval contradicted the wish Israel expressed to enter into a new round of negotiations on a peace settlement with the Palestinians, and risks forestalling the resumption of the peace negotiations under the auspices of the United States.
It called for the parties to work towards a rapprochement and abstain from taking any decision that could raise tensions, in particular concerning holy places situated in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
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
Swiss help put Palestinian produce on the table
This content was published on
Around one-third of the West Bank is farmed, yet most meat, fresh fruit and vegetables are imported because the quantity of local produce is insufficient and many people do not trust the quality. A Swiss-sponsored project is for the first time bringing together producers and retailers to try to change the negative perceptions of Palestinian…
This content was published on
A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom (MDA) of Israel marks its fourth anniversary this week. Facilitated by Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, the agreement paved the way for the admission of the two neighbouring organisations to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red…
This content was published on
Dante Martinelli told states at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council that it was “their duty” to follow up a report that accuses Israel and Palestinian groups, notably Hamas, of war crimes during the armed conflict in Gaza last winter. “Serious crimes committed by both sides cannot be ignored,” the Swiss ambassador to the…
This content was published on
Israel launched an offensive against the Gaza Strip and the Hamas movement on December 27. The cost was heavy. Israel had 13 dead but around 1,300 Palestinians were killed and 5,300 wounded before a ceasefire was accepted on January 18. Some parts of central Gaza emerged virtually unscathed. But other communities, such as Jabalya, and…
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.