Switzerland is committed to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on a negotiated two-state solution. Its strategy focuses on protection and resilience, and seeks to mitigate the negative effects of the Israeli occupation and the internal Palestinian division. In the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), Switzerland is currently active in the fields of rule of law and protection of human rights, local governance, and agro-economic development.
Occupied Palestinian Territory

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Embassy |
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Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation |
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Consulate general |
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Honorary representation |
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Cooperation office |
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Contribution Office |
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Embassy with Cooperation Office |
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Embassy with Regional consular center |
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Swiss Business Hub |
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Swissnex |
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City |
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Capital |
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Disputed border |
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River |
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Lake |
More than two decades after the Oslo agreement of 1993, a negotiated solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict still remains a distant prospect. The current political stalemate prevents the creation of an independent, contiguous, viable and democratic Palestinian state. The continued Israeli military occupation and expanding settlement policy, the limited powers of the Palestinian Authority and the persisting intra-Palestinian division worsen the human rights and humanitarian situation of the Palestinians, curtail economic growth and weaken the rule of law and good governance.
The overall goal of the Swiss cooperation strategy is to improve the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and to contribute to creating an independent, contiguous, viable and democratic Palestinian state based on the borders of June 1967. The current strategy focuses on promotion and respect of human rights and international humanitarian law and on the protection and resilience of the Palestinian population, and seeks to mitigate the negative effects of the occupation and the internal Palestinian division. It further aims to enhance the basis for democratic and inclusive development (for the most vulnerable) and to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians.
Swiss Bilateral ODA | 2018 mill. CHF |
2019 mill. CHF |
2020 * mill. CHF |
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Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) | |||
Bilateral development cooperation | 13.72 | 14.79 | 12.00 |
Humanitarian aid | 14.37 | 16.59 | 13.61 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) | |||
Economic Cooperation and Development | – | – | – |
Human Security Division (HSD) | |||
Conflict transformation and human rights | 0.54 | 0.52 | 1.41 |
Total SDC/SECO/HSD | 28.63 | 31.90 | 27.02 |
Other Federal Offices | |||
Network of FDFA representations abroad | 2.01 | 2.64 | .. |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) | 0.03 | 0.03 | .. |
Total other Federal Offices | 2.04 | 2.67 | – |
Cantons and municipalities | 0.39 | .. | .. |
Total | 31.06 | 34.57 | 27.02 |
* planned; total based on available data
** Excluding multilateral contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
Rule of law and protection
Protecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s engagement in the oPt. Switzerland aims to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law in the oPt in order to create the conditions for a just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution. The occupation’s burden on the population needs to be reduced. At the same time Palestinian duty-bearers throughout the oPt must implement the rule of law.
Supporting the Civil Society
The Swiss government supports human rights organizations in many countries around the world, including in Israel and the oPt, understanding that their work and their sheer existence is essential for free and pluralist societies. Organizations of the civil society have a key role to play in promoting and advocating for human rights and international humanitarian law, in documenting human rights violations and in providing legal advice and assistance to the population.
Supporting the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR)
The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) is the national human rights commission of the Palestinian Authority (PA). It monitors the PA institutions’ compliance with their human rights obligations to assist those institutions in respecting and promoting the human rights of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Switzerland has funded the ICHR since 2002 via a consortium of five donors.
Supporting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the only legally mandated organization to protect and promote the enjoyment and full realization, by all people, of all rights established in the Charter of the United Nations and in international human rights laws and treaties. The OHCHR documents violations and abuses of international human right law, violations of international humanitarian law, empowers people to realize their rights, and strives to hold duty bearers accountable. Switzerland supports the OHCHR in the oPt since 2012.
Effective service delivery through local governance
Switzerland supports local authorities and civil society organisations in marginalised areas in order to improve the provision of quality services. SDC fosters better governance by helping vulnerable communities become more involved in decision-making processes and making authorities more accountable. Switzerland asks that special attention be given to the provision of basic services for the most vulnerable populations such as people living in the Gaza Strip, Bedouin communities as well as people living in areas of the West Bank that are particularly affected by the occupation policy.
The Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF)
Switzerland has supported the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF), a trust fund established by the Palestinian Authority and funded by various donors, since 2013. The MDLF implements projects to improve the delivery of local infrastructure and municipal services, promote economic development, and improve municipal efficiency and accountability. Since 2017, Switzerland also supports a local development programme in the Gaza Strip which focuses on selected municipalities to provide small-scale infrastructure projects (kindergarten center, sewage system, small road) for- and with the involvement - of vulnerable communities in decision-making.
Agro-economic development
Switzerland strives to improve productivity and access to markets for small farmers. In this sector, SDC works with small-scale agribusinesses, cooperatives, private sector actors and national authorities in order to contribute to an economic environment conducive to sustainable development and to reduce poverty. It also seeks to challenge economic constraints and remove barriers limiting access to market and trade.
Supporting farmers in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank
To reduce poverty in the West Bank, Switzerland funds a programme implemented by Oxfam International in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to support poor farmers in increasing their productivity and improving their livelihoods. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to build a resilient economy with equitable agricultural growth, whilst contributing to protect small-scale producers’ entitlements to natural resources and access to markets.
Multilateral collaboration, support to UNRWA
Switzerland works in close relationship with UN organizations and the ICRC and supports them in their capacity to respond to emergencies and to advocate on the international scene on behalf of the most vulnerable populations.
In the absence of a peaceful solution to the conflict, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains the most important UN partner for Switzerland in the region. UNRWA provides basic services to some 5 million Palestinian Refugees (of which more than 2 million live in the oPt) and promotes respect for their rights. Switzerland values UNRWA’s capacity to deliver both short-term emergency services and longer-term human development programmes for Palestinian refugees and its contribution towards stability and peace in the region.
Approach and Swiss partners
The Swiss cooperation strategy for the oPt 2015–2018 (extended until 2019) sets out strategic priorities for SDC and the Human Security Division (FDFA HSD). To maximise the results from Switzerland’s commitment, its strategy for the oPt combines humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peace promotion – working tools of both the SDC and HSD – in the spirit of a comprehensive and coherent approach.
The Strategy was developed in close coordination with Swiss representations on the ground and through a consultative process with key partners and stakeholders in the oPt.
All programmes take a conflict-sensitive approach, follow the principles of good governance and incorporate gender considerations.
Switzerland’s main partners in the oPt include:
- Local and national authorities
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- UN agencies: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
- Israeli and Palestinian civil society organisations, Palestinian Network of NGOs (PNGO), Gaza community Mental Health Programme, and many others.
- International NGOs and partners: Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA), Diakonia, Oxfam International, and others.
Links
Documents
Current project
Improved Access to Markets for Female and Male Fresh Fruits and Vegetable (FFV) Small Scale Producers

01.12.2017
- 30.11.2021
With focus on private sector-led agriculture and agribusiness, this program pursues systemic change in the agriculture sector and supports business modalities that favor small scale producers in the occupied Palestinian territory. The overall goal is to contribute to build a resilient economy with equitable agricultural growth, whilst contributing to protect small scale producers’ entitlements to natural resources and access to markets.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
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Palestinian Authority |
Agriculture & food security
Agricultural development
Agricultural services & market
Agricultural policy
|
01.12.2017 - 30.11.2021 |
CHF 4'700'000 |
Support to Municipal Development Project (MDP-3)

01.09.2017
- 31.12.2021
Since 2009, the Municipal Development Project (MDP) has been the main vehicle for policy reform in the Local Governance sector in the oPt. It has channelled funding to Municipalities to support infrastructure projects and capacity-building activities in a transparent and equitable manner, despite huge challenges linked to 50 years of Israeli Occupation and to 10 years of intra-Palestinian divide. MDP-3 (2017-2021) is supported by 7 donors and the Palestinian Authority: SDC’s contribution is in line with Swiss Cooperation Strategy for the oPt (2015-2018).
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
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Palestinian Authority |
Governance
Decentralisation
Democratic participation and civil society
|
01.09.2017 - 31.12.2021 |
CHF 5'300'000 |
Reform and Development of Markets, Value Chains and Producers’ Organisations

01.03.2017
- 31.08.2021
Private sector-led agriculture and agribusiness in the Palestinian occupied territory (oPT) can play a key role in building a resilient economy towards economic growth and in safeguarding rights and entitlements to natural resources and markets. This program aims at improving income and productivity in the agriculture sector, through improved access to markets, increased share of local market, enhanced competitiveness and profitability of Palestinian agribusinesses.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
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Palestinian Authority |
Agriculture & food security
Agricultural development
Agricultural policy
Agricultural co-operatives & farmers’ organisations
|
01.03.2017 - 31.08.2021 |
CHF 3'000'000 |
Planned project
Support to Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
01.01.2022
- 31.12.2027
By supporting the provision of quality mental health through Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, Switzerland contributes to strengthening the resilience of vulnerable people in the Gaza Strip, where distress, psychological and psychiatric problems continue to increase after more than a decade of closure, traumatic conflicts and the degradation of socio-economic conditions. Addressing distress and traumas contributes to the prevention of radicalisation.
Upgrading Karm Abu Salem Crossing - Gaza
01.10.2020
- 31.12.2022
Switzerland will support improving the export/import conditions of goods to and from the Gaza Strip. The project, implemented by UNOPS, will upgrade the poor infrastructure at the Palestinian side of the only functioning commercial crossing between Gaza and Israel. The existing infrastructure con- ditions are causing around 10% of damages to the transiting commodities thus incurring substantial economic losses that are affecting the living conditions of two million people in the Gaza Strip
DEAR Foundation contribution Madaa
15.07.2019
- 30.06.2021
Switzerland, through Dear Foundation active in the oPt, will contribute to the provision of educational, cultural and psychosocial services for children, women and youth in the most sensitive neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem. A particular focus is given on reducing vulnerability and creating opportunities for jobs and income generation. Enhancing protection framework and strengthening the resilience of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem are in line with Swiss Cooperation Strategy for the oPt (2015-2019).
Support to Village Councils in the West Bank
01.07.2019
- 31.10.2021
Switzerland will support Village Councils in the West Bank to improve the delivery of basic services in rural areas with a focus on those situated in Area C. Switzerland’s support aims at empowering selected local government units to deliver needed public services, while supporting an enhanced engagement of women, youth and people with disabilities, to improve local accountability processes. This intervention will be realized through dedicated funding to a local governance programme implemented by GIZ.
Support to Gaza Community Mental health Programme
01.03.2019
- 31.12.2021
By supporting the provision of quality mental health services through Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, Switzerland contributes to strengthening the resilience of vulnerable people in the Gaza Strip, where distress, psychological and psychiatric problems continue to increase after more than a decade of Israeli closure and intra-Palestinian divide, repeated traumatic conflicts and the degradation of socioeconomic conditions. Addressing distress and traumas also contributes to the prevention of radicalization.
Support to Safe Spaces for Women, Youth and Children in Gaza Strip

01.01.2019
- 31.12.2021
In 2019-2020, Switzerland will support the Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA) and the Culture and Arts Association (NAWA) in the Gaza Strip to provide quality educational and cultural services in safe learning environments for children, youth and women, including persons with disabilities. This contribution aims to enhance the inclusion of marginalized groups in local development and in community-led initiatives, and to prevent wider spreading of violent extremism and radicalisation.
SDC Education Fund
01.01.2019
- 31.12.2021
As part of its increased commitment for Education and of the implementation of SDC’s Education Strategy, the SDC launches an Education Fund in order to incentivize innovation and the application of new approaches in basic education/vocational skills development and through educational activities across sectors. Innovation can have a catalytic effect on the effectiveness of programmes in and through education. Education is a core enabler for sustainable development and is an important lever in Switzerland’s commitment to promote human and economic development, peace and stability.
Agriculture Census 2020
01.12.2018
- 31.12.2021
Switzerland will support the realization of the Agriculture Census in 2020 through contributing to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Updated and accurate data on agriculture holdings is an enabling tool for public and private investment as well as to plan and monitor relevant developments in the agriculture sector, in accordance with the National Policy Agenda (2017-2022). This project will offer opportunities to engage Swiss expertise in the domain of statistics and agriculture.
Long-term support to UNRWA’s reform
01.01.2018
- 30.06.2021
Through this contribution, Switzerland enables UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) to pursue the implementation of two key reform areas from its Medium-Term Strategy 2016-21, namely: the Resource Mobilization Strategy and the Protection Framework. These reforms will improve UNRWA’s ability to deliver its core services by stabilizing the Agency’s financial situation and by strengthening its capacities to deliver its protection mandate.