Palestinian Innovation Ecosystem

23.12.2020 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The Representative Office of Switzerland recently launched an innovation project aimed at supporting the Palestinian innovation ecosystem, while seeking to develop sustainable linkages with the Swiss innovation scene. The project was twofold; a preparatory workshop was held on October 20, 2020, gathering all Palestinian ecosystem stakeholders in order to investigate the needs of the ecosystem, and a virtual tour and Swiss-Palestinian panel discussion was held on November 4, 2020. The report and infographic came as a result of the preparatory workshop, and provide insight into the needs of the ecosystem, and recommendations for possible interventions. 

Together Against Violence

25.11.2019 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Newly Launched “Together Against Violence” Joint Campaign Demands Prompt Adoption of Family Protection Bill and Better Access to Services for Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Palestine.

Switzerland condemns arrests and violence in Gaza

19.03.2019 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland condemns the campaign of arrests and violence used by Hamas security forces against peaceful protesters in Gaza over the past days.

My Rights, Our Power: A Joint Campaign Launched in Palestine to Raise Awareness on Women’s Fundamental Human Rights

01.03.2019 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
1 March 2019, Ramallah, On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), a week-long joint campaign “My Rights, Our Power” was launched today in Palestine to raise awareness on women’s fundamental human rights. The joint effort, with participation from over 30 national and international partners from civil society organizations, media outlets, and international development agencies, targets youth, women, and men in various geographic areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to promote women’s human rights in Palestine.

Joint Statement: The UN, EU, and International Development Partners Raise Their Voices against Gender-based Violence in Palestine

25.11.2018 — Position Occupied Palestinian territory
On 25 November 2018, the international community in Palestine launches a joint campaign “#HearMeToo: Voices against Violence” to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in Palestine. Civil society organizations and media outlets also join this national initiative to end violence against women and girls. The 16 Days campaign, annually commemorated worldwide, commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and lasts until 10 December, the Human Rights Day.

1 August speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset

23.07.2018 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset: National Day 2018 greetings for the Swiss abroad

Switzerland condemns the violence in Gaza

15.05.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is monitoring with concern the ongoing 'Great March of Return' demonstrations in the Gaza Strip and condemns Israel's use of force, which has already resulted in dozens of deaths, including children, and thousands of wounded.

Unacceptable remarks on the causes of the Holocaust and the legitimacy of Israel: Switzerland’s response

04.05.2018 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 03.05.2018 - Switzerland supports the statement issued by the United Nations concerning Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s opening speech at the Palestinian National Council.

Violent confrontations in Gaza: Switzerland supports UN Secretary-General's call for independent inquiry

31.03.2018 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 31.03.2018 - The recent escalation shows the need to revitalise peace negotiations. Switzerland is working for just and lasting peace on the basis of a negotiated two-state solution.                

FDFA clarifies Switzerland's position following announcement of recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israeli state by US president on 6 December 2017

07.12.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland considers that, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 478, any solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on a comprehensive and negotiated agreement on the final status of Jerusalem which respects the rights and aspirations of all concerned parties.

Ambitious Multi-donor Agribusiness Programme launched for Palestine

20.11.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Today a new direction for coordinated support to agribusiness in Palestine was unveiled at the launch of the Multi-donor Agribusiness Programme “Reform and Development of Markets, Value Chains and Producers’ Organizations” (MAP) in Ramallah. Denmark, the Netherlands, EU, Switzerland and Spain are joining forces with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support this four-year, USD 30 million programme to accelerate the market-based development of Palestinian agribusiness.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann to pay a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the theme of innovation

27.10.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 26.10.2017 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann will travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory between 27 and 30 October accompanied by representatives from the fields of science and business. The focus of the economic mission is on innovation, which is a theme of common interest to the scientific and economic delegation, with an emphasis on digitalisation.

Switzerland condemns arrests and violence in Gaza

19.03.2019 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland condemns the campaign of arrests and violence used by Hamas security forces against peaceful protesters in Gaza over the past days.

My Rights, Our Power: A Joint Campaign Launched in Palestine to Raise Awareness on Women’s Fundamental Human Rights

01.03.2019 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
1 March 2019, Ramallah, On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), a week-long joint campaign “My Rights, Our Power” was launched today in Palestine to raise awareness on women’s fundamental human rights. The joint effort, with participation from over 30 national and international partners from civil society organizations, media outlets, and international development agencies, targets youth, women, and men in various geographic areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to promote women’s human rights in Palestine.

Switzerland condemns the violence in Gaza

15.05.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is monitoring with concern the ongoing 'Great March of Return' demonstrations in the Gaza Strip and condemns Israel's use of force, which has already resulted in dozens of deaths, including children, and thousands of wounded.

Unacceptable remarks on the causes of the Holocaust and the legitimacy of Israel: Switzerland’s response

04.05.2018 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 03.05.2018 - Switzerland supports the statement issued by the United Nations concerning Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s opening speech at the Palestinian National Council.

Violent confrontations in Gaza: Switzerland supports UN Secretary-General's call for independent inquiry

31.03.2018 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
Bern, 31.03.2018 - The recent escalation shows the need to revitalise peace negotiations. Switzerland is working for just and lasting peace on the basis of a negotiated two-state solution.                

FDFA clarifies Switzerland's position following announcement of recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israeli state by US president on 6 December 2017

07.12.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland considers that, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 478, any solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on a comprehensive and negotiated agreement on the final status of Jerusalem which respects the rights and aspirations of all concerned parties.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann to pay a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the theme of innovation

27.10.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 26.10.2017 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann will travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory between 27 and 30 October accompanied by representatives from the fields of science and business. The focus of the economic mission is on innovation, which is a theme of common interest to the scientific and economic delegation, with an emphasis on digitalisation.

The FDFA condemns executions in Gaza

11.04.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 10.04.2017 - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the execution of three people by the de facto authorities in Gaza on 6 April 2017. In recent months, the FDFA has contacted the competent authorities in Gaza on several occasions with a view to preventing a resumption of this practice.    

The Swiss and EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn death sentences issued in Gaza

22.02.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

The Head of Mission of Switzerland, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

The FDFA reaffirms its support for a two-state solution

09.02.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) notes that the adoption by the Israeli parliament on Monday 6 February 2017 of a law aimed at legalising under Israeli law the building of homes, and in particular the building of numerous outposts, on private Palestinian land in the occupied Palestinian territory makes the prospect of a two-state solution, which the FDFA advocates, even more difficult.

FDFA: Israeli government’s decision to build new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory regrettable

25.01.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 25.01.2017 - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) considers regrettable the decision of the Israeli government taken on 24 January 2017 to authorise the planning and construction of 2,500 new houses in the occupied Palestinian territory.    

Paris Conference: Switzerland committed to renewed prospects for a political solution in the Middle East

13.01.2017 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory

Bern, 13.01.2017 - Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will take part on Sunday in the Paris Ministerial Conference on Peace in the Middle East. Organised by France, the conference will bring together some 70 states and international organisations with the aim of relaunching the peace process and maintaining the prospect of the two-state solution.     

Palestinian Innovation Ecosystem

23.12.2020 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The Representative Office of Switzerland recently launched an innovation project aimed at supporting the Palestinian innovation ecosystem, while seeking to develop sustainable linkages with the Swiss innovation scene. The project was twofold; a preparatory workshop was held on October 20, 2020, gathering all Palestinian ecosystem stakeholders in order to investigate the needs of the ecosystem, and a virtual tour and Swiss-Palestinian panel discussion was held on November 4, 2020. The report and infographic came as a result of the preparatory workshop, and provide insight into the needs of the ecosystem, and recommendations for possible interventions. 

Together Against Violence

25.11.2019 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Newly Launched “Together Against Violence” Joint Campaign Demands Prompt Adoption of Family Protection Bill and Better Access to Services for Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Palestine.

Joint Statement: The UN, EU, and International Development Partners Raise Their Voices against Gender-based Violence in Palestine

25.11.2018 — Position Occupied Palestinian territory
On 25 November 2018, the international community in Palestine launches a joint campaign “#HearMeToo: Voices against Violence” to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in Palestine. Civil society organizations and media outlets also join this national initiative to end violence against women and girls. The 16 Days campaign, annually commemorated worldwide, commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and lasts until 10 December, the Human Rights Day.

1 August speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset

23.07.2018 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset: National Day 2018 greetings for the Swiss abroad

Ambitious Multi-donor Agribusiness Programme launched for Palestine

20.11.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Today a new direction for coordinated support to agribusiness in Palestine was unveiled at the launch of the Multi-donor Agribusiness Programme “Reform and Development of Markets, Value Chains and Producers’ Organizations” (MAP) in Ramallah. Denmark, the Netherlands, EU, Switzerland and Spain are joining forces with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support this four-year, USD 30 million programme to accelerate the market-based development of Palestinian agribusiness.

Local statement on the execution of three prisoners in Gaza on 6 April 2017

07.04.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Heads of Mission of Switzerland and Norway, The European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission  in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement:

Switzerland Supports Core UNRWA Programmes and Makes Additional Contribution to Emergency Response in the occupied Palestinian territory

02.02.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Swiss Confederation, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed a multi-year agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) totaling CHF 75.5 million (approximately US$ 73.7 million) that will go towards the Agency’s core programmes and services – including education, health care, relief and social services and protection – over the 2017-2020 period.  This agreement comes shortly after Switzerland’s additional contribution of CHF 1.35 million (approximately US$ 1.32 million) in December 2016 to the UNRWA Emergency Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) to support the Agency’s temporary shelter cash assistance programme in Gaza and protection interventions in the West Bank.

The Swiss and the EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn death sentences issued in Gaza

26.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Head of Mission of Switzerland in Ramallah, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.

Assistance for Palestinian refugees in 2017-2020

12.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The Swiss Government approved a four-year contribution (2017-2020) to the Programme Budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for a total amount of CHF 78.5 Mio. Through this unearmarked and predictable contribution, Switzerland renews its support to UNRWA’s core mandate in servicing five million Palestine refugees through education, healthcare, social services and protection.

The Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) supports the Palestinian Population, Housing, and Establishment Census 2017

05.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) signed a new agreement with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) amounting to CHF 1.25 million to support the Palestinian Population, Housing, and Establishment Census 2017.

The Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) launches a new CHF 8 million program to strengthen local governance in the West Bank Villages

05.01.2017 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) launches a new Swiss program of CHF 8 million to strengthen local governance in the rural West Bank Villages. The first phase of the program totals CHF 4.2 million for 2016-2020. The first agreement was signed with the Palestinian Authority amounts CHF 3.03 million to support the delivery of local basic services through the Municipal Development & Lending Fund. The second agreement was signed with the German International Cooperation amounting CHF 850’000.

Local Statement on administrative detention of Palestinians in Israeli prisons

08.12.2016 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory

The European Union Representative, the EU Heads of Mission and the Heads of Mission of Switzerland and Norway in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement.