Switzerland to lead critical talks on Gaza, West Bank civilian rights

Switzerland is set to host a pivotal conference on March 7 regarding the situation of civilians living in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the invitation extended to 196 states who are parties to the Geneva Conventions, a key step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nicolas Bideau confirmed the gathering, stating, “Following this invitation from the UNGA (UN General Assembly), I confirm that a conference of High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention will be held in Geneva on March 7.”

The timing of the conference is crucial, as Gaza remains under the strain of a ceasefire after a 15-month conflict, during which more than 45,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and the region remains devastated. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians from camps in the West Bank in recent weeks, fueling concerns of a potential annexation of Palestinian territories.

The Fourth Geneva Convention, which forms part of the international legal framework established in 1949 post-World War II, provides humanitarian protections for civilians in areas under armed conflict or occupation. This upcoming meeting follows the UN General Assembly's request for Switzerland to organize the conference in September, while the Gaza war was still ongoing.

Switzerland has previously hosted similar gatherings in 1999, 2001, and 2014 to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories. The forthcoming conference seeks to address critical issues surrounding the humanitarian situation and uphold international law concerning civilian protections in conflict zones.

By Vafa Guliyeva