Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits the Middle East: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to international humanitarian law and sustainable peace
Berne, 12.06.2025 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, made an official visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory on 10 and 11 June. The trip is part of Switzerland's commitment to dialogue, respect for international humanitarian law and the search for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
In Jerusalem, Mr Cassis met the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, to discuss the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and the security situation in the region. Mr Cassis expressed the Federal Council's deep dismay at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the urgent need to allow unrestricted humanitarian access. He reiterated Israel's responsibilities as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, including the obligation to guarantee full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the civilian population. He made it clear to his Israeli counterpart that the amount of humanitarian aid currently being delivered is insufficient. Mr Cassis also renewed Switzerland's call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
In Ramallah Mr Cassis met Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister and foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority. They discussed the conflict in Gaza and relations between the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government, as well as the prospects for peace and the need to resume a political process based on a negotiated two-state solution.
Ahead of these meetings, Mr Cassis met in Jerusalem with representatives of the UN Development Programme, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, all three of which receive support from Switzerland and are active in Gaza. The talks provided an opportunity to take stock of the most urgent humanitarian needs on the ground and the logistical challenges involved. Representatives of the three organisations joined Switzerland in emphasising the urgent need to respect international humanitarian law during this war.
Mr Cassis' visit comes just a few days before Switzerland takes part 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 (17‒20 June in New York). It demonstrates Switzerland's ongoing commitment to working, through diplomatic channels and its good offices, for a lasting political solution guaranteeing security, prosperity and dignity for all sides.