Switzerland to Host Conference on Palestinian Civilian Protection

Switzerland will host an international conference on March 7 focused on the protection of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, following a UN mandate, Arab News reported. The meeting will invite the 196 signatories of the Geneva Convention, including ambassadors, as announced by the Swiss foreign ministry.

The UN General Assembly designated Switzerland to organize this conference due to its role as the depository of international treaties governing war and humanitarian law. While these conferences cannot make binding decisions, they aim to reaffirm international humanitarian law and obligations.

Recent events in the region have highlighted escalating violence, with Israeli settlers intensifying attacks on Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. Concurrently, a major Israeli military operation has displaced approximately 40,000 Palestinians. The backdrop of this conference follows a fragile ceasefire established in January after 15 months of conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.