Why is official Switzerland attacking UNRWA?

Published on October 3, 2024 at 7:47 p.m. / Modified on October 3, 2024 at 7:48 p.m.

The recent positions of “official” Switzerland – that of parliamentarians, liberals and UDC especially – relating to UNRWA are of concern. Based on what sources of information do our national advisors make decisions? Are they under the influence of Israeli propaganda via organizations like UN Watch or NGO Monitor? After almost twelve months of war in Gaza, “official” Switzerland has still not reminded Israel of its duties as for international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, of which the Confederation is the depositary. And this call to replace UNRWA is shocking.

A reminder is in order. Created in December 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and following Resolution 194 of 1948 relating to the right of return and/or compensation of Palestinian refugees, the agency’s mandate concerned humanitarian aid in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, where the majority of victims of the 1948 war had found refuge. Originally, Western states hoped to promote the resettlement of refugees through the implementation of projects promoting their economic integration in host countries. After the 1948 war, Jordan annexed the West Bank and granted citizenship to Palestinian refugees. Gaza came under Egyptian military administration. Refugees in Lebanon and Syria received certificates attesting to their status.

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