Ignazio Cassis visits Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

As the Federal Council announced after its meeting on 28 May 2025, it is deeply dismayed by the intolerable human suffering in the Gaza Strip. It calls for unrestricted humanitarian access to the civilian population, an immediate ceasefire and the full and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. Switzerland strongly urges all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to engage seriously and constructively in finding a successful solution through diplomatic means. As an occupying power, Israel has a special responsibility under the Geneva Conventions to protect the civilian population.

During his visit, Mr Cassis will meet the prime minister and foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, in Ramallah. In Israel, he will hold bilateral talks with the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar.

His meetings will focus on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Mr Cassis will also discuss with his dialogue partners the security situation in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts to find a political solution to the conflict.

A special focus will be placed on the prospects for peace in the region, particularly with regard to Switzerland's participation in the UN's High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which will take place in New York from 17 to 20 June 2025.

In order to gain as comprehensive a picture as possible of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Mr Cassis will also meet representatives of international organisations that are active in the Gaza Strip and receive support from Switzerland.

With this visit, Switzerland is underlining its commitment to humanitarian principles and to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on dialogue, mutual respect and human dignity. Through its good offices, Switzerland will support efforts to improve the prospects for peace for all parties.

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