Contributions to humanitarian partners in the occupied Palestinian territory
After 21 months of war, basic services have collapsed throughout the Gaza Strip and the threat of widespread famine is increasing by the day. Increasing violence and forced evictions are also placing an ever greater strain on the living conditions of the civilian population in the West Bank. For these reasons, SDC continues its cooperation with humanitarian partner organisations to respond to the urgent needs of the civilian population throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.
The established system of needs-based and principled humanitarian aid must be urgently strengthened and allowed to function fully throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. In May 2025, the Federal Council granted CHF 9 million to four partner organisations present in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank: UNICEF, the WFP, the WHO and the PRCS.
- UNICEF is providing large sections of the population, including around 600,000 children, with access to drinking water, regularly measuring their nutritional status and distributing food supplements to those in need. In the West Bank, UNICEF has provided chlorine for the treatment of drinking water for almost 500,000 people so far this year. UNICEF is also providing psychosocial support for several thousand people.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) has restarted limited food distributions following the partial easing of the full blockade of Gaza in June 2025, supporting over 5,000 households and around 100,000 children under the age of five and breastfeeding mothers. In the West Bank, also in June, the WFP supported over 200,000 people with food vouchers and financial aid.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is a mainstay of the healthcare sector. Since mid-March, it has made over 1.7 million treatments and operations possible in the Gaza Strip with its medical supplies and equipment. Mobile teams are playing a vital role in operations, emergency response and the treatment of communicable diseases. In addition, the WHO is supporting seven hospitals in the West Bank and the Palestinian Ministry of Health in overcoming supply bottlenecks and staff shortages.
- The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is providing comprehensive humanitarian aid throughout the occupied Palestinian territory and is one of the first responders with its fleet of ambulances. The PRCS is providing tens of thousands of people with emergency aid in shelters and health centres, offering psychosocial support and distributing relief and hygiene supplies.
In addition to the CHF 9 million, CHF 12 million has already been disbursed in 2025 to other humanitarian partners in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the ICRC and Swiss NGOs, as well as CHF 11 million for UNRWA's activities in neighbouring countries and the implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna report.
These organisations and other humanitarian actors, in particular the UN and its partner organisations, must be able to carry out their work without restriction and be protected. Humanitarian goods and services must reach the entire population in need without discrimination and without risk.
Promoting dialogue
Only a two-state solution negotiated by both sides in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters can bring lasting peace. This requires a willingness for dialogue and, in the long term, reconciliation between the different population groups. The Confederation is supporting organisations that promote discussion on the future of peaceful coexistence and support necessary reforms of the Palestinian Authority. Given the trauma that the recent conflict has left in all communities, the effort of FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) is focusing on the involvement of younger generations and the participation of women, as well as the protection of civil society space in the region, as a basis for a future rapprochement of all groups in society.
In accordance with international humanitarian law, Switzerland calls on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately guarantee sufficient humanitarian access through all access points across the entire Gaza Strip. This access must be safe and unhindered. Switzerland also continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and strict compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties.
Links
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern