Switzerland suspends financial support to 11 Palestinian, Israeli NGOs

GENEVA (AA) – Switzerland has suspended financial support to 11 Palestinian and Israeli non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the light of the situation in the region.

“In view of the new situation that has prevailed since 7th October and the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) has decided to suspend its financial support to eleven local NGOs,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Six of the groups affected were Palestinian and five Israeli, according to the statement. These organizations are primarily active in the field of human rights and are recipients of support from the department’s Middle East cooperation programs, it said.

It noted that this decision will allow a thorough analysis to be made of whether the communications of these organizations comply with the FDFA’s code of conduct and the anti-discrimination clause that applies to its external partners.

“The FDFA’s cooperation activities in the Middle East must adapt to the new context that has prevailed since the resumption of hostilities,” it said. “The relevance and feasibility of programs will therefore have to be analyzed in general terms.”

The statement emphasized the importance of “ensuring the appropriate use of its financial aid.”
Gaza has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since October 7.

Gaza’s 2.3 million people have run out of food, water, medicines and fuel, while aid convoys allowed into Gaza have managed to carry only a small fraction of what is needed.