Switzerland invited to assume a role consistent with its values , face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza

Press release
Geneva, November 15, 2023
The Geneva Center for Democracy and Human Rights today sent urgent letters to the Swiss Federal Council. These letters were intended for Mr. Alain Berset, President of the Confederation, as well as Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councilor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
In these correspondences, the Center expressed its deep concern over the ongoing events in Gaza and the West Bank in occupied Palestine, calling to the attention of the Swiss government on the need for urgent action.
The press release highlights the unequivocal expression of the Swiss people through peaceful demonstrations in all cantons, underlining the deep commitment to peace, justice, and respect for international law. The Center welcomes these citizen actions, illustrating the democratic and humanitarian spirit that characterizes Swiss society.
The Geneva Center also expressed its concern about a possible deviation from Switzerland’s principles of neutrality in the current context of the crisis in Gaza. The letters addressed to Messrs. Alain Berset and Ignazio Cassis highlighted the need to reaffirm the Swiss commitment to peace and human rights.
The Center regrets the statements of Mr. Ignazio Cassis justifying the attacks at the start of the conflict by qualifying them as the aggressor’s right to defense. He recalls that the occupied peoples have the legitimate right to resistance against the occupying forces and that the latter do not have the right to avail themselves of defense against the occupied peoples.
The press release emphasizes the urgent request for support from the Swiss Confederation to end the hostilities in Gaza. It also calls for the immediate review of the ban on arms sales to Israel, the occupying force, as well as the opening of thorough investigations into possible violations of international law, including the Geneva Conventions. . Sanctions against perpetrators of atrocities are also suggested.
The destruction and bombing of hospitals, the deliberate targeting of civilians, and the killing of more than 12,000 civilians to date, including 5,000 babies and children, are described as unjustifiable, horrific, barbaric and inhumane acts. . The Center urges Switzerland to take concrete measures to condemn these acts and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict.