Promoting a technology-driven Palestinian economy

18.10.2022 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland invests in the digital transformation of Palestinian businesses and launches a new partnership between Birzeit and Al Najah universities and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL).

Innovation: a key component of Swiss support in oPt

06.04.2022 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The visit of SDC Director General Patricia Danzi to the oPt underlined SDC’s engagement to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Danzi considers that the digital economy has future because it opens horizons, opens borders and offers economic perspectives for youth.

Towards a Citizen-Centered Civic Service: Municipal One-Stop Shops Transform Public Services in the oPt.

11.03.2022 — Article Occupied Palestinian territory
Thousands of Palestinians benefit from the over 90 one-stop shops newly established in municipalities across the West Bank and Gaza. They offer an efficient way to deal with citizens requests and enhance the service oriented attitude of municipal administrations. Switzerland contributes to strengthen and modernize Palestinian municipalities in the frame of SDC’s Local Governance Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG), and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF)

Supporting employment of Palestine refugees: matching emerging market needs with youth aspirations

15.12.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
UNRWA provides young Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan with technical and vocational skills to access the labor market and to fulfil their aspirations. UNRWA Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme (TVET) is renowned for both its quality and its pioneering role in curriculum development, and lately started engaging with digital transformation. SDC has recently established support to the programme, which is in line with our commitment to increase job opportunities by better linking private sector demand with the required skills of Palestine refugee youth. 

Open Day event for Chidren in the Old City of Jerusalem

17.09.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
"Open Day”  event organised by UNICEF at Burj Laqlaq Cente on Thursday 9 September 2021 with 700 children from East Jerusalem

SDC Consultancy on Culture

16.09.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The cultural sector in Palestine:  SDC consultancy sheds light on opportunities and challenges

EU local statement on the death of activist Nizar Banat

28.06.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The European Union Representative issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah. The Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway and Switzerland associate themselves with this statement.

Job creation through innovation

17.05.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
SDC is harvesting positive results from promoting innovation in the agro sector: two success stories from the Westbank

Swiss support to COVID-19 emergency response in Occupied Palestinian Territories

17.05.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Responding to the COVID threat, SDC disbursed an additional 7.8 million CHF to support severely affected communities in the Westbank and Gaza

Escalation of violence in Jerusalem: Switzerland reiterates call for calm to all parties

10.05.2021 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. On 3 May, the FDFA called for calm in these fragile times, and today calls again on all parties to take immediate action to defuse the tension.

FDFA calls for Palestinian elections to be held without further delay

05.05.2021 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
The FDFA notes with regret the decision to postpone the Palestinian legislative and presidential elections, scheduled for 22 May and 31 July. Holding these elections is essential to restore the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions, re-establish Palestinian political unity and preserve a two-state solution. Switzerland calls for restraint during this volatile period and for a date for the elections to be set as soon as possible.

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. 

Escalation of violence in Jerusalem: Switzerland reiterates call for calm to all parties

10.05.2021 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. On 3 May, the FDFA called for calm in these fragile times, and today calls again on all parties to take immediate action to defuse the tension.

FDFA calls for Palestinian elections to be held without further delay

05.05.2021 — Press release Occupied Palestinian territory
The FDFA notes with regret the decision to postpone the Palestinian legislative and presidential elections, scheduled for 22 May and 31 July. Holding these elections is essential to restore the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions, re-establish Palestinian political unity and preserve a two-state solution. Switzerland calls for restraint during this volatile period and for a date for the elections to be set as soon as possible.

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.

Promoting a technology-driven Palestinian economy

18.10.2022 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Switzerland invests in the digital transformation of Palestinian businesses and launches a new partnership between Birzeit and Al Najah universities and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL).

Innovation: a key component of Swiss support in oPt

06.04.2022 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The visit of SDC Director General Patricia Danzi to the oPt underlined SDC’s engagement to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Danzi considers that the digital economy has future because it opens horizons, opens borders and offers economic perspectives for youth.

Towards a Citizen-Centered Civic Service: Municipal One-Stop Shops Transform Public Services in the oPt.

11.03.2022 — Article Occupied Palestinian territory
Thousands of Palestinians benefit from the over 90 one-stop shops newly established in municipalities across the West Bank and Gaza. They offer an efficient way to deal with citizens requests and enhance the service oriented attitude of municipal administrations. Switzerland contributes to strengthen and modernize Palestinian municipalities in the frame of SDC’s Local Governance Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG), and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF)

Supporting employment of Palestine refugees: matching emerging market needs with youth aspirations

15.12.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
UNRWA provides young Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan with technical and vocational skills to access the labor market and to fulfil their aspirations. UNRWA Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme (TVET) is renowned for both its quality and its pioneering role in curriculum development, and lately started engaging with digital transformation. SDC has recently established support to the programme, which is in line with our commitment to increase job opportunities by better linking private sector demand with the required skills of Palestine refugee youth. 

Open Day event for Chidren in the Old City of Jerusalem

17.09.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
"Open Day”  event organised by UNICEF at Burj Laqlaq Cente on Thursday 9 September 2021 with 700 children from East Jerusalem

SDC Consultancy on Culture

16.09.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The cultural sector in Palestine:  SDC consultancy sheds light on opportunities and challenges

EU local statement on the death of activist Nizar Banat

28.06.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
The European Union Representative issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah. The Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway and Switzerland associate themselves with this statement.

Job creation through innovation

17.05.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
SDC is harvesting positive results from promoting innovation in the agro sector: two success stories from the Westbank

Swiss support to COVID-19 emergency response in Occupied Palestinian Territories

17.05.2021 — Local news Occupied Palestinian territory
Responding to the COVID threat, SDC disbursed an additional 7.8 million CHF to support severely affected communities in the Westbank and Gaza

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.