Switzerland urges Israel to end 'unlawful occupation' of Palestinian territories
Switzerland has called on Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, condemning settler violence, land confiscation, destruction, expulsions and forced displacement.
In his address to the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, Thomas Gurber, who serves as Switzerland's Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, said his country “condemns settler violence, confiscation of land, industrialization, destruction, expulsions, and forced displacements.”
“We urge Israel to respect its obligations under international law, especially put an end to the illegal occupation of occupied Palestinian territories, and hold those responsible for crimes accountable,” he added.
Since October 2023, the occupied West Bank has witnessed a sharp rise in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers, with thousands of Palestinians killed, injured or detained. Israeli occupation forces have continued raids and arrests across cities, towns and refugee camps throughout the territory.
More than 700,000 Israeli settlers live in more than 230 settlements built across the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds since the 1967 occupation.
The international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring parts of its civilian population into occupied territory. The UN Security Council has also adopted multiple resolutions condemning Israel’s settlement activity.
In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and called for the evacuation of settlers from the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds.
Despite the ruling, settlement expansion and Israeli measures affecting Palestinian communities have continued.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has described Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank as a “silent war” that has largely escaped global scrutiny.
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