Press releases, 09.05.2021

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. On 3 May, the FDFA called for calm in these fragile times, and today calls again on all parties to take immediate action to defuse the tension.

The escalation of violence in the Middle East is a matter of great concern, including clashes on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem which have left many people injured in recent days. The FDFA calls on all parties to act immediately to defuse the tension and to refrain from inflammatory actions or statements. Evictions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of East Jerusalem – which are in contravention of international humanitarian law – are further fuelling tensions.

The FDFA has stated that the preservation of the historical status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and the peaceful coexistence of all residents of Jerusalem must be guaranteed in accordance with international law.

The search for a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters is one of the priorities of the Federal Council's MENA Strategy 2021–24. Switzerland remains at the disposal of the parties to facilitate the resumption of dialogue.


Further information:

Press release (3.5.2021) : FDFA calls for Palestinian elections to be held without further delay
MENA Strategy


Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA


Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

  • FDFA Communication answers media queries Mondays to Fridays during office hours and operates a weekend emergency on-call service.

Contact

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West
3003 Bern

Phone (for journalists only):
+41 58 460 55 55

Phone (for all other requests):
+41 58 462 31 53

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